PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – A Seminole man who works as a youth soccer coach has been arrested and charged with Lewd and Lascivious Touching of a Minor.
42-year-old Joel Avitia was arrested on November 5th following an investigation by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children Unit.
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Detectives say Avitia invited a female victim to his residence and gave her money to go shopping. He then allegedly touched the victim inappropriately and told her not to tell anyone. The victim immediately reported the incident to law enforcement.
Avitia was taken into custody and transported to the Pinellas County Jail. Due to the nature of the charges and to protect the victim’s identity, further details about the case are not being released.
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Detectives are concerned that there may be additional victims given Avitia’s position as a soccer coach. Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Avitia is urged to contact Detective Kathleen McKee at 727-582-5827 or [email protected]
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