Former Tennis Pro Charged With Enticing Child

GUILFORD, CT — A former tennis pro at the Guilford Racquet & Swim Club was charged with enticing a child under the age of 13 online.

Tyler Purskey, 30, of North Haven, was also charged with risk of injury to a child. Club owner Sarah Boone said there was an "incident" in September and Purskey was let go immediately.

"When we became aware that something was going on, we took immediate action," Boone told Patch.

She said the club became aware of "what happened" Nov. 1, and Purskey was fired.

Purskey identifies as the club's tennis pro on a LinkedIn page. He was assistant coach for Guilford boys’ tennis, per a report from 2016.

According to police arrest logs and court records, Purskey is facing two felony charges and accused of encountering the child Sept. 22. Patch is working to obtain further details.

The charge of enticing a minor is when a person uses the internet to "knowingly persuade, induce, entice or coerce" a minor "to engage in prostitution or sexual activity ...," according to the state statute.

Risk of injury to a child is defined as when a person, "...willfully or unlawfully causes or permits any child under the age of 16 ...to be placed in such a situation that the life or limb of such child is endangered, the health of such child is likely to be injured or the morals of such child are likely to be impaired...," according to the state statute.

Puskey was arrested June 4 for the fall 2019 alleged incident. He was given a $1,000 bond and was released. He is set to be arraigned on the felony charges July 29.

A Facebook message to Purskey for comment was not immediately returned.

Patch has requested any public information on the case from Guilford police and this post will be updated when any additional details are provided.