A Seminole soccer coach was arrested on Tuesday and is facing allegations of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a minor, according to Pinellas County authorities. Joel Avitia, a 42-year-old man, is accused of using his position of trust to engage in inappropriate conduct with an underage female.
Details provided by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office indicate that Avitia allegedly invited the young victim to his residence, provided her with money for shopping, and subsequently made improper physical contact, as WFLA News reported. The incident was quickly reported by the victim, sparking the subsequent legal response. According to the reports, Avitia instructed the victim to remain silent about the encounter.
Authorities took Avitia into custody yesterday and transported him to the Pinellas County Jail. Given the sensitive nature of the charges and the need to protect the victim’s privacy, additional details are being withheld from the public.
Given Avitia’s role as a soccer coach, there is a concern among investigators about the potential for additional victims. “The victim immediately reported what occurred and law enforcement was contacted,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement obtained by IONTB.
The Crimes Against Children Unit spearheading the investigation is encouraging anyone with information or who may have been affected to reach out. Detective Kathleen McKee of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is the point of contact, available at 727-582-5827 or via email at [email protected], as detailed by Tampa Free Press.
The investigation is active and ongoing, with local law enforcement keen to uncover the full scope of Avitia’s alleged misconduct.
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