SWFL.io - Local NewsFORT MYERS, Fla. - The boys' varsity basketball coach at Evangelical Christian School in Lee County has been placed on administrative leave amid allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student. The school informed parents of the situation via email, expressing their shock and grief over the serious allegations.
"We were recently made aware of an alleged inappropriate relationship between the boys' varsity basketball coach and a student. We are shocked and deeply grieved by the serious allegations of misconduct against him," said John Hunte, the head of the school.
The school confirmed they are cooperating with law enforcement during the investigation, though the coach's name has not been disclosed.
"We can not confirm or deny these allegations," said the Lee County Sheriff's Office. They emphasized that this is an active investigation.
WINK News spoke with Vaneza Gonzales and Alex Abraham from Project Help, a nonprofit organization that deals with cases like these. They explained the importance of recognizing early signs of inappropriate relationships.
"Grooming is it's such a terrible thing because it does have these vulnerable people in positions where they think that they are partaking, and, you know, a consensual relationship, when in reality, that's not the case," said Gonzales and Abraham.
They added that isolation is often a tactic used by groomers to manipulate their victims.
"Isolation is a big point in that, you know, these groomers, if they're saying something to the person that's being groomed of you know, don't tell anyone about this. That's a red flag right there," they said.
Although no arrests have been made, Project Help wants victims in Southwest Florida to know that resources are available.
"Our 24 hour crisis and sexual assault helpline is run by volunteers. It's always available through holidays, overnights, anytime," they said.
The investigation remains active, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Victims or those in need of assistance can reach out to the 24-hour crisis hotline at (239) 262-7227.