Legal Analysis By Attorneys
Breaking Legal News
Julio Acosta Morgado, a former youth baseball coach, appeared in court on July 9, 2024, for his final pretrial hearing according to Action News Jax. Morgado faces serious charges of sex crimes against children in two Florida counties, including Duval County, where he is currently held in jail, and Orange County.
Morgado was arrested in January 2024 following accusations of sexual misconduct with minors. Prosecutors allege that some victims were as young as 12 years old. The reported incidents occurred in November 2023 and the fall of 2020.
An arrest report reveals that Morgado's most recent alleged victim claimed to have training sessions at the coach's house on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. These sessions typically ended with a massage.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office reported a similar incident from fall 2020 involving another victim. In this case, the suspect allegedly touched the victim inappropriately during a post-training massage at his home.
The judge will decide whether prosecutors can present evidence of Morgado's previous bad acts to the jury. On July 1, the defense filed a motion to exclude information about Morgado's past misconduct. A Williams Rule Hearing was held on July 3 to hear arguments from both sides on this motion. The judge is expected to announce her ruling on this matter.
Jury selection for Morgado's trial is set to begin next week. This case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the charges and Morgado's position as a youth baseball coach. Authorities are concerned there could be more victims both in Duval and Orange Counties.
As the community grapples with the disturbing allegations against former youth baseball coach Julio Acosta Morgado, questions arise about the legal protections and options available to victims sexually abused by a coach or personal trainer. To address these concerns, we spoke with Michael Haggard, a seasoned Florida attorney specializing in child sexual abuse cases. Haggard offers valuable information on the legal rights of victims and the potential accountability of negligent parties in such cases. His insights provide a clearer understanding of the legal landscape surrounding this sensitive issue and highlight the importance of prompt action for affected families.
Editor Darla Medina: Mr. Haggard, what legal rights do victims of sexual abuse by a baseball coach have in Florida?
Attorney Michael Haggard: Victims have several legal options available to them. They can pursue criminal charges against the abuser. Additionally, they can file civil lawsuits not only against the perpetrator but potentially against organizations that may have been negligent in their duty to protect children.
DM: How can negligent parties be held accountable in these situations?
MH: Organizations such as youth sports leagues, schools, or facilities where the abuse occurred may be held liable if they failed to implement proper safeguards or ignored warning signs. This could include inadequate background checks, lack of supervision, or failure to report suspicious behavior. Victims can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, therapy costs, and pain and suffering.
DM: What advice would you give to families affected by such cases?
MH: I strongly recommend that families seek both legal counsel and psychological support immediately. It's important to preserve evidence and report the abuse to law enforcement promptly. Additionally, there are statutes of limitations for civil cases, so acting quickly is key to preserving legal rights.
DM: Thank you for your insights, Mr. Haggard.
If you or a loved one has been affected by sexual abuse in youth sports or similar settings, remember that you're not alone. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to supporting our community through these challenging times. We encourage victims and their families to seek both legal and emotional support. For those looking for guidance on their legal options, we offer free, confidential consultations with experienced attorneys who specialize in child sexual abuse cases. Don't hesitate to reach out – your voice matters, and there are people ready to listen and help. Contact us today to learn more about your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself and others.
info@legalherald.com