Defense claims prosecutor coached child on what to say in molestation case

David Solomon accused of molesting 2 boys on baseball team

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Things got heated Thursday during a hearing for a former Cooper City baseball coach accused of molesting boys.

The altercation came during an emergency status hearing in the case of David Solomon, who is accused of inappropriately touching two 11-year-old boys on a team for which his son also played.

The coach's defense attorney claims that the prosecutor assigned to the case told one of the children what to say during a deposition last week.

"That's ridiculous," Assistant State Attorney Patyl Oflazian told Judge Lisa Porter. "I can't stand here and allow someone to make misrepresentations to the court."

Defense attorney Eric Schwartreich clarified his position.

"It's very difficult and dangerous when you have prosecutors, judge, with children who are very susceptible to statements, making statements and telling children on a break of a deposition that the reason why you said there were exaggerations is because my client punched him in the car," Schwartzreich said. "I can't make this stuff up."

The deposition was recorded and a court reporter was there to transcribe it, so the judge put all matters on hold until she is able to watch the video and read the transcript.

"Everyone wants you to see it, Judge," Oflazian said. "There's nothing to hide here. I've done nothing wrong and I will deal with those allegations accordingly. I will take every effort and use every remedy for these baseless, unprofessional and unethical accusations against me."

Solomon remains in jail after his arrest last July.

He is charged with multiple counts of sexual battery and lewd or lascivious molestation after two boys on his Optimist baseball team claimed that he touched them during car rides and at sleepovers at his home.

Solomon was previously arrested in 2000 on molestation charges while working as a physical education teacher at Hialeah Gardens Elementary School.

In that case, Solomon and his attorneys claimed that the two boys, who were under the age of 14, were lying. One of the boys eventually recanted his claims, and the state dropped the charges against Solomon.


About the Authors:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.