FBI: Youth Baseball Coach Facing Federal Sex Abuse Charges

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A youth baseball coach is facing federal charges related to exploiting his position to coerce a 16-year-old player into engaging in sex acts with him, federal prosecutors announced on Wednesday.

On June 14, Mount Vernon police were contacted about allegations that the youth baseball coach was engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a former player. The mother of the alleged victim told cops that she found text messages between her child and the coach, which included sexually explicit messages and photographs.

Investigators believe the coach had subjected the victim to sexual contact on more than one occasion. The following day, Mount Vernon Police Department detectives arrested Robert Pope. The 30-year-old was later charged with counts of a felony criminal sex act.

SEE ALSO: Youth Coach Arrested For Sexual Contact With Child: Police

Now, following an FBI investigation, Pope is facing federal charges. He was arrested on Tuesday, for persuading, inducing, enticing and coercing the 16-year-old minor to engage in sexual activity.

"The alleged conduct in this case underlines the urgent need for law enforcement to continue its efforts to protect children from those who prey on them," Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said. "We have zero tolerance for the exploitation of children and we will prosecute and punish those who engage in this conduct. Any individuals who may have relevant information concerning Robert Pope should please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI."

Pope is the owner and head coach of Mount Vernon Baseball, an independently registered 501-C3 non-profit organization. Through this organization, Pope was the head coach of a number of youth baseball teams in the Hudson Valley.

The teams Pope coached had players ranging in age from 10 years old to 18 years old. Pope was also a volunteer coach with the Mount Vernon High School Varsity Baseball team.

Law enforcement officials say there may be more victims of Pope out there yet.

"Adults who are entrusted with educating and instructing children usually have the child's best interest at heart," FBI Acting Assistant Director Jacqueline Maguire said. "As we allege, Mr. Pope instead chose to abuse his position of authority as a baseball coach to coerce and entice a child into having sex with him. We believe there may be other victims who haven't yet come forward, and we're asking any potential victims and their parents or guardians to contact us at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov. Your information could help our investigation, and help us hold Mr. Pope accountable."

Pope is charged with a single count of coercion and enticement, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

"As alleged in this case, Robert Pope abused his position of trust to take advantage of the most vulnerable for his own sexual gratification," Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah said. "We are proud to work together with the Southern District of New York, the New York FBI and the Mount Vernon Police Department to aggressively prosecute sexual abuse of minors and will use all of our collective resources to ensure sexual predators are stopped and held accountable.”