Lakeland, Florida has been rocked by a horrific occurrence after a high school track coach was detained last week on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old kid.
The distressing incident has raised questions about students’ safety and educational institutions’ hiring practices.
High School Coach’s Arrest Raises Safety Concerns in Lakeland, Florida
The alleged assault came to light on August 28 when the victim, a student at Lakeland High School, reported the incident to a school resource officer.
The victim accused 40-year-old Jarvis Young of inappropriately touching him. The accusations took a grim turn when Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd revealed disturbing details of the case.
According to Sheriff Judd, Young reportedly gave the victim sports equipment and lunch before massaging and sexually assaulting him.
Even more alarming was the revelation that Young is HIV-positive. Sheriff Judd emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Young attempted to engage in sexual activity with a child, fully aware of his HIV-positive status.
This is not the first time Jarvis Young has faced accusations of sexual misconduct involving minors.
In 2011, he was arrested for conspiracy to commit sexual battery on a juvenile for bringing children to a motel. However, the case was dropped due to the statute of limitations.
In 2017, Young allegedly grabbed a boy’s leg in a car, resulting in a battery charge. Those charges were also dropped because the victim’s family ceased cooperation with the investigation.
Jarvis Young now faces multiple charges, including sexual battery by a custodian on a victim between 12 and 18, lewd and lascivious conduct by a person 24 or older on a victim aged 16 or 17, abuse of a child without bodily harm, interfering with the custody of a minor, and having sex without informing a partner of HIV infection.
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Concerns Mount Over Potential Additional Victims in High School Coach’s Case
Authorities suspect that there may be more victims of Young’s alleged misconduct. The rumors circulating among students about Young, cautioning them not to let him touch them, have raised concerns about the possibility of additional victims.
In response to the incident, Polk County Public Schools has launched an investigation into how Young was hired as a coach, especially considering his prior arrests for crimes against children.
School officials have also confirmed that Young no longer works for the district.
This distressing case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of students within educational institutions.
It highlights the need for thorough background checks and scrutiny when hiring individuals who interact closely with students.
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