Authorities in Arizona say a basketball coach at Dobson High School has been arrested on suspicion of engaging — or attempting to engage — in a sexual relationship with three teens on the girls’ junior varsity team.
According to KPHO, 23-year-old Kyler William Ashley is accused of having sex with two 17-year-old girls and sending inappropriate messages to a 16-year-old girl.
The Snapchat messages between the coach and the youngest girl allegedly began in September and continued until earlier this month.
Police reports claim he told her he wanted to have sex and sent her a message on Tuesday proposing that the two meet at a location for that purpose.
Ashley allegedly arrived at the predetermined spot two days later to encounter local police, not the girl he hoped to meet.
He was arrested at the scene and police say he acknowledged that he’d known the girl for several years and understood that a sexual relationship with her would be unlawful.
School officials confirmed that Ashley was a contracted worker and will not return to the school.
Dobson High School Principal Tamara Addis urged parents to remind their children that “it is not appropriate for a coach or other adult to initiate a personal relationship with a student.”
Mesa Public Schools released a statement emphasizing “the safety and security” of its students.
“Kyler Ashley was a seasonal basketball coach for girls junior varsity at Dobson High School and seventh-grade girls at Summit Academy,” the district wrote. “He did not teach or work in any other capacity for the district.”
Furthermore, the school stated that he passed a background check and underwent “extensive training” before he started the job.
As the Arizona Republic reported, the investigation remains ongoing, but Ashley is expected to face criminal charges including sexual conduct with a minor, luring a minor for sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse — all felonies.
[Featured image: Kyler William Ashley, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office]
