DORAL, Fla. – A youth football coach in Doral was arrested Thursday on accusations that he sent lewd and lascivious text messages to at least two boys on his team, authorities said.
According to an arrest report, the father of a 12-year-old boy notified the head coach Thursday after he came across several text messages from the volunteer coach, Fernando Hernandez, on his son's cellphone.
Police said the head coach informed the City of Doral Parks Department of the text messages and authorities immediately began investigating.
Police said the victim told detectives that the 24-year-old coach had sent similar text messages to a 13-year-old boy on the team that plays at Doral Meadow Park.
The boys were interviewed separately.
Detectives said Hernandez called both boys "baby" in the texts and offered to perform oral sex on both victims. A sexually-explicit video and photo were also sent to one of the boys, police said.
According to authorities, Hernandez confessed to sending the text messages to both victims.
He was arrested on charges of lewd and lascivious assault on a child, transmission of child pornography and prohibited use of computer services.
Hernandez appeared in court Friday, where a Miami-Dade County judge ordered he be held in lieu of a $22,500 bond. If he posts bail, Hernandez must stay away from the victims and will have to find a new place to live as he currently lives in a home with his two minor nephews.
According to a Doral spokeswoman, Hernandez began volunteering with the city in September 2017. Because of the ongoing investigation, he is no longer allowed to volunteer with the city.
"The safety and security of our youth athletes is paramount, and all our youth sports volunteers are required to pass a screening and background check, in keeping with Doral policies and National Recreation and Park Association’s guidelines," a city statement read. "Hernandez underwent and passed this required screening process."
According to the statement, a court-ordered, stay-away order has been issued banning Hernandez from visiting any city parks in Doral.