Track Coach Sentenced For Sexually Abusing 13-Year-Old Teen Athlete For 4 Years

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A former youth track coach has been sentenced for 21 years for second-degree rape, child pornography and other sexual offenses.

According to the indictment, Warren Gray, 34, of Waldorf, was a track coach with the New Wave Track Club. Beginning in August 2017, Gray met, groomed, manipulated the victim and had a sexual relationship with her for four years. The incident began when the victim was 13 years old until she was 17 years old, continuing after the victim had left New Wave. The assault was discovered when the victim’s mother was helping her with a school project, and while using her daughter’s laptop, discovered videos of the victim and Gray involved in sexual acts.

A spokesperson for Prince George's County Public Schools confirmed Wednesday to FOX5 that Gray was a temporary employee within their school district between 2018 and 2020.

During the pre-sentence investigation, the defendant argued that he did not know the victim was 13 but instead thought she was a fellow New Wave Track Club coach, according to the prosecution. On July 24, Gray pleaded guilty to second-degree rape, two sex offense charges and two child pornography charges.

The victim and her mother were present at sentencing.

"Today was hard. Probably one of the hardest days of my life. I want to thank my mother for having my back. This was probably one of the hardest things ever," the victim told FOX5.

Her mother added that they were grateful for the support.

"We have been waiting for this day for years. We just never thought it would come but hopefully, now we have closure, peace of mind," she told FOX5. "Well, we work on peace of mind. Just moving forward."

“We are satisfied with this sentence and feel that justice was served. Our office will continue to seek stiff and appropriate sentences for sexual predators and will spare no expense when it comes to resources for victims, especially our children,” added State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy.

"This is a case where it highlights how victims can be groomed by people the community may think are trusted members of the community. Instead, the defendant decided to use that trust was put in him to sexually abuse a child," prosecutor Ashley Elias noted.