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JournalAZ reported that David Castillo, a former head boys and girls cross-country coach at Camp Verde High School, has been arrested for alleged inappropriate physical contact with a minor. The arrest came after the Camp Verde Marshal's Office received an allegation of possible sexual abuse on November 13, 2023.
According to a Facebook post made by the Camp Verde Marshal's Office on November 30, Castillo was taken into custody and held at the Yavapai County Detention Center in Camp Verde. He was arraigned on Monday, December 4, in the Verde Valley Justice Court. The court set his bond at $75,000.
The Camp Verde Unified School District was quick to respond to the arrest. Superintendent Steve Hicks issued a statement posted on the CVUSD website, expressing concern over the allegations and assuring the community that the district had immediately contacted local law enforcement upon receiving the report. Hicks emphasized that the alleged incident did not occur on school grounds and that the district would fully cooperate with the police investigation.
As a result of the arrest, Mr. Castillo has been informed that he is prohibited from entering school property and contacting students. The safety and well-being of the students are the district's top priorities. The CVMO urged anyone with relevant information to contact them at (928) 554-8300.
Due to the serious nature of the allegations, the Camp Verde Marshal's Office announced on their Facebook page that detectives would be delving into Castillo's past and reviewing the last 10 years of his career to identify any potential additional victims.
Newly-obtained police records reveal that David Edward Castillo, a licensed physical therapist, had previously been investigated by the Prescott Valley Police Department in 2018. A 19-page police report indicates that detectives were called to investigate suspicious activity and a possible delayed sex offense involving a 12-year-old victim.
During the investigation, two Prescott Valley Police Department detectives interviewed Castillo, the alleged victim, and family members. According to the report, Castillo acknowledged that relatives of the alleged victim had notified Camp Verde High School. The detectives contacted the school's principal, Mark Showers, who stated that he had known Castillo for approximately nine to ten years and was unaware of any previous allegations against him.
Despite the recommendation of charges of simple assault, the Yavapai County Attorney's Office, led by Carol D. Kennedy at the time, declined to prosecute Castillo on October 17, 2018. The decision was based on the absence of physical evidence, witnesses, and Castillo's denial of the allegations.
The recent arrest of David Castillo has reignited concerns about his past interactions with students and has raised questions about whether previous incidents were adequately addressed. Authorities are urging anyone with information or potential victims to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
The Camp Verde community and the Camp Verde Unified School District are focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of their students during this challenging time. Counseling services are being made available to students who may need additional support.
This is an ongoing investigation, and further details will be provided as they become available.
If you have any information relevant to this case, please contact the Camp Verde Marshal's Office at (928) 554-8300.
In light of the arrest of a former Camp Verde High School coach for alleged sexual abuse of a minor, concerns arise regarding the legal recourse available to the victims and their families following school sex abuse. To take a deeper look into the matter, we sat down with Kevin Biniazan, an experienced child sex abuse attorney based in Arizona. In this interview, Mr. Biniazan shares his knowledge and insights on the potential for civil cases against liable parties, guiding victims and their families through the complexities of seeking justice.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Mr. Biniazan, thank you for joining us. After learning of the high school coach arrested for alleged sexual abuse of a minor, we would like to discuss what options the victims and their families may have in pursuing a civil case against those responsible.
Kevin Biniazan, Esq. (KB): Thank you for having me, Darla. It's an important topic that deserves attention. In cases like these, victims and their families may have grounds to pursue a civil case against liable parties, which could include the school district, administrators, or individuals who failed to take appropriate action to prevent the abuse or address previous allegations.
DM: What factors come into play when determining liability in such cases?
KB: Establishing liability in school sexual abuse cases can be complex, but there are several key factors that are typically considered. First and foremost, it must be shown that the school or responsible parties had a duty to protect the students from harm. This duty is derived from the special relationship between the school and its students. Additionally, it must be demonstrated that the school or responsible parties breached that duty by either being aware of the abuse or failing to take reasonable steps to prevent it. Finally, it must be proven that the breach of duty directly resulted in harm to the victims.
DM: What steps can victims and their families take if they believe they have a valid civil case?
KB: The first step is to consult with an experienced child sex abuse attorney who specializes in these types of cases. They can guide victims and their families through the legal process, help gather evidence, and assess the strength of their case. It's important to act promptly, as there are statutes of limitations that dictate the timeframe within which a lawsuit can be filed.
DM: Are there any limitations or challenges victims and their families may face when pursuing a civil case?
KB: Unfortunately, yes. One of the challenges is the emotional toll these cases can take on the victims and their families, as they have already endured significant trauma. Additionally, statutes of limitations vary by state and can restrict the timeframe within which a lawsuit can be filed. However, some states have extended or eliminated these limitations for child sexual abuse cases, recognizing the unique circumstances involved. It's crucial to consult with an attorney who can navigate these complexities and advocate for the victims' rights.
DM: Thank you, Mr. Biniazan, for providing valuable information into this matter. This will undoubtedly be helpful to those affected by such incidents. We appreciate your time and expertise.
KB: Thank you, Darla. It was my pleasure to go over this important issue. It's crucial that victims and their families are aware of their options and know that there is support available to help them seek justice following a tragic incident.
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