Florida Coach Accused of Molesting High School Girl
Adults such as teachers and coaches spend a lot of time with young children. Because of this, they may sometimes be blamed for actions they never did and even accused of child molestation. In Florida, this is considered a serious accusation that can lead to very harsh penalties.
A coach at Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory High School is facing such charges. The 37-year-old man—who coaches football and track at the Catholic school—faces multiple charges, including two counts of obscene communication to solicit child for unlawful sex, two counts of use of a child in a sexual performance, one count of sexual offense against students by an authority figure and one count of traveling to meet a minor. He was arrested on April 23.
The South Florida man has been accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl. According to the victim, the coach molested the girl and then tried to arrange a meeting with the girl so he could perform oral sex on her. He used phone conversations, text messages and social media to contact the girl. The man then allegedly went to the girl’s home. There, he was arrested by the Hollywood Police Department SWAT Team and Fugitive Squad.
The man also coached the Miami Gardens Express and the Hallandale Beach Police Athletic League Running Club. He also works as a private endurance trainer for children throughout South Florida and specifically coaches track teams in the same age group as one of his daughters—primarily girls in middle school and high school. The man is also the owner of Liv Alittle Sports, which is an apparel company.
What to Know About Lewd and Lascivious Behavior
If you have been accused of child molestation or some other sex crime, you have the right to remain silent. Do not make any statements without seeking legal help first. Before your confession or admission is heard by the jury, the prosecution must prove that a crime actually occurred. This is done by showing that each element of the crime occurred. The Florida Legislature replaced the Doctrine of Corpus Delicti with Florida Statute 92.565.. What this means is that getting a dismissal is much more difficult. The jury is also allowed to hear a defendant’s admission or confession even if the prosecution is unable to prove each element of the crime.
Several defenses cannot be used in a sex crime case. These include the following:
- The alleged victim’s sexual past
- The fact that the alleged victim is or was a prostitute
- The alleged victim consented to the sexual act, especially if the victim is a minor
- The alleged victim lied about their age
Seek Help for Your Criminal Defense Case
Molestation is a serious accusation. A person convicted of such a crime can be on the sex offender registry for life, as well as face decades or even the rest of their life in prison.
Protect yourself and your legal rights. Get help from the Dade City & Zephyrhills lewd & lascivious behavior lawyers at Madonna Law Group right away. Time is of the essence, so don’t delay. To schedule a free consultation, call our office at (800) 557-0411.
Resource:
patch.com/florida/miami/high-school-track-football-coach-accused-molesting-teen
https://www.manderlawgroup.com/broward-county-teacher-fired-for-molesting-student/