Nov 19, 2008 11:45 pm US/Eastern
Swim Coach Allegedly Admits Having Underage Sex
Also admits to possession of child pornography
FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
35-year-old Roberto M. Caragol, a Broward County swim coach, has allegedly admitted to federal authorities that he had sex with minors dating back to 2001. In addition, from 2003-2008, he sent, received, or possessed hundreds of images of young boys, some of which were involved in sexual activity, according to a federal criminal complaint.
Caragol is a swim coach at the prestigious Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale. He had previously served as boys swimming coach at Cypress Bay High School, and is known to have coached children at other swim meets.
"I never expected it, I was shocked," said Pine Crest student Wyatt Zeller.
The Broward County Sheriff's Office was first tipped off to the activity in August of 2008 by America Online. Investigators questioned Caragol on October 17, at which point he voluntarily turned over his laptop computer. He also denied all of the allegations against him.
But, on Tuesday, Caragol admitted he had child pornography on his computer and may have other images on portable drives in his home. He admitted to discarding images after the initial interview on October 17. He also admitted to having sex with minors over several years, but said he was "not presently engaging in sex with any minors."
"I have children, and I can't imagine Robert would do anything like that, I really can't," said Justine.
The woman would not give us her last name, but said Caragol rents a room in the home owned by her daughter across the street. At one point she said her teenage grandson lived with him, and he was nothing but a mentor to him.
Pine Crest issued the following statement on the situation:
Pine Crest School has been advised by the United States Attorneys Office that one of its swim coaches on the Fort Lauderdale campus, Roberto Caragol, has been arrested for alleged possession of child pornography. We do not know any of the details of the investigation at this time. Pine Crest School is cooperating fully with law enforcement. Mr. Caragol has been placed on administrative suspension.
This is a difficult time for all of us at Pine Crest School. We have taken great care in responding to this situation and communicating with students, faculty, and families. We are fully committed to providing a secure and safe environment for every member of our school community.
Caragol is on administrative suspension, pending the outcome of the investigation.
"This is a difficult time for all of us at Pine Crest School, and we have taken great care and responding to this situation and communicating with students, teachers and families," said Dale Smith, head of the school.
Caragol has his initial appearance in front of a federal judge Wednesday, and will face a judge again Monday. We have not heard if he will face charges for the alleged sexual contact with minors.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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