MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - A South Florida track coach arrested for allegedly molesting two sisters is now facing additional charges after more alleged victims came forward.
Darius Lawshea, 45, the head coach of Miami Gardens Xpress Track and Field, was arrested earlier this week on two counts of child molestation and three counts of sexual battery on a minor.
Now, he faces additional charges including two more counts of child molestation and another count of sexual battery on a minor.
According to an arrest report, a 15-year-old victim told police in June Lawshea would touch her inappropriately and record her.
“The defendant continuously touched the victim’s breast and slap the victim’s buttocks with his hands without her permission,” police wrote in the arrest report.
Police said the 45-year-old was allegedly sending inappropriate messages on Instagram, telling her “That’s why I love you” with a heart, and “You’re such a sweetheart” with two hearts.
A second victim said he forced her to perform sexual acts. The second victim also said the abuse happened when she was between the ages of 12 and 13.
The new allegations against Lawshea date back to 2012.
On one occasion, the coach allegedly picked up the victim from middle school “then took her to his apartment and told her to take off her clothes,” according to the arrest report. The report then went on to state how the victim was molested and raped.
Lawshea was previously accused of molesting two sisters.
The mother of the siblings spoke to 7News on Monday and said both of them were former members of Lawshea’s track club, and for both, the alleged abuse began at age 14.
“My youngest daughter had made accusations, stating that he was touching her and he was molesting her,” she said. “Who knows how many other children he has done it to between now and then?”
The mother said this alleged abuse took place last year. When she went to police months later, her older daughter, now 24, came forward and stated that she was raped by Lawshea 10 years ago.
“I’m just glad that I came forward,” she said. “When I first was asking around about it, some people even was like, ‘OK, good luck with that.’ Don’t be afraid to speak up because it’s a lot of other children that this could be saved from happening to.”
Miami Gardens Xpress Track and Field has since released a statement on social media. In the statement, the club said they are aware of the allegations and have no other comment other than to ask for prayers for the families, athletes and coaches.
Lawshea’s next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.
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