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Utah women’s soccer coach charged with sexually abusing player

DRAPER – A former coach of a women’s soccer team in Utah has been charged with raping a woman on the team.

Demetrius Victor Lynch, 42, of Draper, was arraigned Friday in 3rd District Court on a charge of rape, a first-degree felony.

Lynch was an assistant coach and board member of the Utah Falconz, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing women through tackle football.

“Our entire organization, including our coaches, is made up of volunteers, and our athletes contribute financially to participate in the team,” said board chair Lacy Mile in a statement released Tuesday.

“We learned of the allegation in January directly from the former assistant coach, who was also a board member. When we learned of this situation, we immediately contacted all parties involved and learned that the incident had already been reported to the police,” Mile said. “Upon this discovery, we immediately relieved the coach of his volunteer duties, removed him from our board and promptly informed league officials. The coach has had no connection with the team since the initial report. Although we were aware of the police investigation, we were not informed of the criminal complaint until (Tuesday).”

In January, Draper police took a report from a woman who “described how Demetrius Lynch, her football coach, raped and sexually assaulted her after a housewarming party,” according to court documents. Police say the incident occurred on Jan. 13, after the other partygoers had left Lynch’s home.

In her statement, Mile said the organization was “devastated” by the allegations.

“The investigation is ongoing and charges have now been filed. To our knowledge, everyone associated with our organization has cooperated fully with the police investigation,” she said. “I want to make it clear that we stand firmly with the women of the Utah Falconz and will continue to take actions that we believe put their health and safety first.”