MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) – A Miami Gardens track and field coach is accused of sexually assaulting one of his students 10 years ago and recently sexually molesting her sister.
A prosecutor also said in court that there could be “more victims out there”.
CONTINUE READING: Where is the rain Parts of South Florida are down more than 10 inches deep
The woman claims Darius Lawshea, 45, had non-consensual sex with her three times in 2010 when she was a 14-year-old member of the Miami Gardens High School training team.
She claims the first time she stayed at his home was according to his arrest report. She reportedly said the other two times were in his car when he drove her home from training.
According to the arrest form, the woman said, “She never revealed what happened because she was scared because Mr. Lawshea was loved by everyone in the community and she didn’t want to get into trouble, but she struggled with why Mr. Lawshea likes her and she was only 14 years old. “
The report added that when she was in high school she said she told someone that Lawshea “wasn’t who everyone thought was” and that he “did something to her”.
She said upon hearing that Lawshea reportedly “recently sexually molested her little sister, so she knew it was important to finally speak up,” the report said.
Lawshea was arrested on October 25th and faces sexual abuse charges.
MORE ABOUT CBSMIAMI.COM
Police are investigating double shootings outside the Miami Club
COVID-19 in South Florida: 309 new cases in Miami-Dade, 285 in Broward
Florida Foreign Minister Laurel Lee: Russian and Iranian election interference “a very serious threat”
In court, District Judge Mindy Glazer said “these are grave charges” and found a probable cause in both cases. She ordered Lawshea to stay away from both victims and have no contact with them and to stay at least 150 meters away from them and surrender his firearms.
CONTINUE READING: Heavy police presence as crowds descend for Memorial Day weekend in Miami Beach
“Do you understand the distance rule?” She asked.
“Yes, ma’am,” said Lawshea.
She also said that Lawshea should be held bailiff for the sexual charge and the bail would be $ 7,500 for each of two cases of lewd and lascivious molestation on a child aged 12-16.
In court, a Lawshea attorney said on a Zoom call, “My client is very respected in the community and respected among many who are now adults. There was a surge of support for Mr. Lawshea. This is a person who goes out and intends to say that he is innocent. “
At the hearing, a prosecutor said “there could be more victims out there”.
Anyone who knows about victims should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477).
A Miami Gardens PD spokeswoman told CBS4’s Peter D’Oench that the department plans to release a statement on the case.
According to Lawshea’s LinkedIn page, he is the head coach of the Miami Gardens Xpress Track and Field Club.
MORE NEWS: Miami-Dade will restore all transit vehicles to full capacity
“Miami Gardens Xpress is a privately operated organization and is not affiliated with the City of Miami Gardens. Because of the allegations, the city has sympathy for the families affected, “said a spokesman for the city.
Comments are closed.