A youth basketball coach in Marin County has been charged with three felony counts of lewd acts against a 15-year-old girl, authorities said. Charles Ramon Huff, a 57-year-old Mill Valley resident, was arrested Sunday night in Santa Rosa and booked into Marin County Jail.
According to the Marin Independent Journal, Huff was charged with three counts of lewd acts upon a teenager, along with a special allegation that he held a position of trust. Novato Police Lt. Sophia Winter confirmed the alleged crime happened in May but declined to provide further details. Huff's bail was set at $250,000, and he is scheduled for arraignment Tuesday.
Huff was a coach at the North Bay Basketball Academy in San Rafael. Through an attorney, the academy confirmed Huff's employment and stated he was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. The academy emphasized that the alleged incident did not involve a participant in its program.
The arrest occurred in Santa Rosa, but the crime is under the jurisdiction of Novato police in Marin County. Huff resides in Mill Valley, a small city in Marin County known for its tight-knit community and youth sports programs. The case highlights the vulnerability of minors in trusted adult positions.
Cases of sexual misconduct by youth coaches have prompted increased scrutiny and background check requirements in California youth sports organizations. The state has implemented laws requiring mandatory reporting of suspected abuse and stricter penalties for those in positions of trust who exploit minors.
The case against Charles Ramon Huff will proceed with his arraignment this week. The community awaits further details as the investigation continues, while the North Bay Basketball Academy cooperates with authorities.
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