MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A volleyball coach was arrested Wednesday on accusations that he molested a 16-year-old girl while he worked at the school she attends, authorities confirmed to Local 10 News.
According to an arrest report, Carlos Ismel Cruz Concepcion, 31, of Miami, was working at BridgePrep Academy of Village Green last year when he allegedly fondled the volleyball player’s vagina over her clothing on multiple occasions.
Miami-Dade police said the alleged crimes happened at the charter school campus, located at 13300 SW 120th St.
According to the arrest report, Cruz Concepcion responded to the police department Wednesday for an interview and claimed that he never touched the victim intentionally, but if he ever did touch her vagina, it was accidental.
6 p.m. report:
Police said detectives discovered during the investigation that Cruz Concepcion had been fired from the school for sending inappropriate messages to underage students.
“Additionally, investigators learned he is currently a volleyball coach at Divine Savior Academy and 305 Volleyball,” MDPD said in a news release Thursday.
Cruz Concepcion faces one count of lewd and lascivious molestation on a child 12-16 years of age.
Concepcion, who was arrested and posted his $7,500 bond, denied any deliberate wrongdoing when questioned by police.
Local 10′s visit to Concepcion’s residence following his release yielded no further comments, as he did not answer the door.
The 305 Volleyball Club provided Local 10 News the following statement:
As of last night, 305 Volleyball Club was stunned, to say the least, with the news of alleged sexual violence and misconduct from Mr. Carlos Ismel Cruz, while working at his prior School Bridge Prep Academy of Village Green during 2023. These allegations did not occur at 305 VBC or Divine Savior Academy.
As an obvious answer to these allegations, Mr. Cruz does not work anymore at 304 VBC or at Divine Savior Academy. We will be meeting with the parents of his team to check if any girls have any issues or something to say about Mr. Cruz's behavior while at the club. Carlos Ismel Cruz passed 3 background checks (USAV, AAU and an internal one) to be eligible to coach at 305 VBC and DSA, he cleared them all. He had no prior criminal past. Please note this.
We also remind everyone that in this Country there is a presumption of innocence until proven guilty. 305 Volleyball Club will not make any comments on an ongoing law investigation. Once again, please reach out to us or local police if there was any unwanted communication or actions on behalf of Mr. Cruz.
305 Volleyball Club