Coach Accused Of Sex With Minors

A volleyball coach and special education teacher at San Pasqual High School in Escondido was in custody Saturday, accused of having sex with minors, San Diego County Sheriff's detectives said. 

None of the alleged victims are from San Pasqual High School, investigators said.  Instead, they say Steven Antony, 39, targeted 14 and 15-year-old girls at North County youth organizations like the now defunct Sunstorm Volleyball Club based in Vista. 

Detectives say they got a tip in September 2008 that Coach Antony was having a sexual relationship with a female player at Sunstorm.

"Additionally, we became aware of two other players from about 2001 to 2006 that were also involved with this coach in a sexual relationship,"said Sgt. Hank Turner. 

NBC spoke by phone to Antony's mother Carole Lee.  She didn't want to talk about the allegations, but she did release this statement.

"The reporting by some media outlets is incorrect.  Steve is one of the greatest people you'll ever meet.  He's a wonderful young man who does not deserve this.  He's a dedicated teacher to hundreds of special ed kids and student athletes." 

But Sgt. Turner disagrees, saying Coach Antony already admitted to some of the acts. 

"In this case, we've seen a pattern of behavior that this coach was preying on his players, that parents placed their trust in this coach and turned their daughters over to him and he betrayed that trust." 

Antony was arraigned Friday morning at Vista Court. He faces several charges including lewd acts with a minor.  Bail has been set at $700,000.

 

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