Pinellas soccer coach accused of lewd and lascivious touching of a minor

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A soccer coach from Seminole was accused of lewd and lascivious touching of a minor.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office arrested Joel Avitia, 42, on Tuesday.

Avitia invited the underage victim to his home and gave her money to go shopping, according to the sheriff's office. He was then accused of touching the victim inappropriately and telling her to keep it a secret.

"The victim immediately reported what occurred and law enforcement was contacted," a news release from the sheriff's office stated.

Investigators are searching for any additional victims. Anyone who believes they may be a victim is asked to contact Detective Kathleen McKee at (727) 582-5827 or by email at 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.