Hunter/jumper trainer Michael Traurig, who in October was temporarily suspended by the U.S. Center for SafeSport on “allegations of misconduct,” has been arrested on suspicion of sexually molesting a 13-year-old several years ago. Police involved in the case are concerned there may be other victims who have not come forward.
Traurig, 52, has been charged with two felony counts of lewd acts upon a child 14 or younger. He was arrested Jan. 26 in Los Angeles and was transported to the Maguire Correctional Facility in Redwood City, California, where he is being held on $1 million bail.
Investigators suspect Traurig of sexually molesting the teen in May 2019 at a location in the 3600 block of Sand Hill Road in Woodside, California, according to a press release from the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office. The Horse Park at Woodside, a popular competition venue for hunter/jumper, eventing and dressage shows, is located on that block.
Deputies began investigating Traurig in October 2021 after receiving a report about the sexual assault of a minor. He was temporarily suspended by the U.S. Center for SafeSport the same month. During the course of the investigation, deputies learned Traurig was working as trainer in San Mateo and Los Angeles counties, coaching children and adults, and of his alleged involvement in other assaults.
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“Traurig was also charged with the sexual assault of an adult victim in Los Angeles County. In addition, Traurig has been mentioned in other sexual assault allegation which have exceeded the statute of limitations,” the San Mateo Sheriff’s Office press release stated. “Due to Traurig facing multiple allegations of sexual assault, there is concern for the potential other victims who may not yet have come forward.”
A preliminary hearing in Traurig’s case has been set for Feb. 14. Meanwhile, deputies encourage anyone with information related to the case to contact Detective C. Barker at 650-474-1243 or email cbarker@smcgov.org.
Traurig, who is the son of former U.S. Equestrian Team rider and EquestrianCoach.com founder Bernie Traurig, spent 20 years as a steeplechase jockey before returning to the hunter/jumper world.
