Miami Herald: Florida Basketball College Begged Teen Not to Tell Parents About Sexual Abuse

According to a report from the Miami Herald, a basketball coach from Florida reportedly begged a teenager not to tell their parents about sexual abuse. Roosevelt Overstreet III was recently convicted of several felony child sex offenses in Florida. He was sentenced to serve 15 years in state prison. At Pike & Lustig, LLP, we are a civil law firm that fights for justice for victims and their families. Here, our West Palm Beach sexual assault and battery lawyer for victims discusses the case in more detail.

Florida Basketball Coach Convicted of Child Sex Abuse 

Roosevelt Overstreet III was a youth basketball coach and trainer who was based in Ocala, Florida. Recently, Mr. Overstreet III was convicted of multiple counts of felony child sexual abuse charges. The criminal charges included two counts of including two counts of sexual activity with a minor. According to court records, Mr. Overstreet III was training a 16-year-old girl who was recovering from a serious ACL injury. He was in his late 40s at the time. The girl informed police that Mr. Overstreet III started groping her during her sessions.

Eventually, over the course of 13 months, he began to come to her home for training. That is the location where sexual abuse happened. Mr. Overstreet III attempted to pressure her into not telling her parents so that he would not get in trouble with law enforcement. After she did tell her parents and they notified the police, officers found explicit videos of Mr. Overstreet III on the girl’s phone, as well as of himself and of the two of them engaged in sexual acts.

 Schools, Sports Organizations, and Other Entities May Bear Civil Liability

 Parents put a lot of faith in coaches and the entities that they are associated with. Coaches (and their support staff) in Florida work closely with young athletes. When a coach or other trusted adult commits sexual abuse, he or she must be held accountable. Sexual abuse against a child is a very serious criminal offense. The criminal justice system must take action. At the same time, it is not only the coach who may be held accountable. Schools, youth sports leagues, and other organizations that put adults in positions of authority over children have a legal and moral duty to protect those in their care. If these entities failed to properly screen the coach, ignored warning signs, or failed to respond to complaints, they may bear civil liability. Survivors deserve answers, justice, and a sense of closure. A civil claim can provide a path to accountability. It can also be the best option for victims and families to get the financial compensation that they need to help navigate the healing journey. 

Contact Our Miami Sexual Assault Lawyer for Victims Today

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach sexual assault lawyer for victims are compassionate, experienced, and committed advocates for justice. If you or your child was abused by a coach, we are here to help. Contact us today for a fully confidential consultation. We fight for justice for grieving families throughout South Florida.

Source:

miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article310638870.html