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According to News4Jax, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Wednesday, April 24, 2023, the arrest of 43-year-old Andrew Lynn Overheul on six counts of producing and attempting to produce child sexual abuse files. Overheul is also a youth softball coach for the Orange Park Athletic Association located at 1086 Fromhart St, Orange Park, FL 32073.
According to the indictment, Overheul coerced at least four minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct in order to create photos and videos. The alleged crimes occurred in both Illinois and Florida, with some incidents dating back to 2016.
News4JAX spoke with Overheul’s neighbors, who said he and his family had moved into Orange Park several months ago. One neighbor said they witnessed authorities raid the home, “He told me that it was a knock search warrant. They knocked, waited a few seconds, and then kicked the door in and took all his electronics.”
A judge has ordered that he remain in custody pending his trial, which has been scheduled for June 2023. If convicted, Overheul faces a minimum mandatory 15 years and up to 180 years in federal prison, according to the DOJ. News4JAX has reached out to the association president for comment, but has not heard back.
Attorney Michael Haggard, an experienced sexual abuse lawyer, often represents sports sexual abuse victims in civil lawsuits across the state of Florida. Michael recently sat down to answer the common question, "Can I sue if sexually abused by a youth softball coach?"
"Sexual abuse of underage athletes is an ongoing problem. Coaches have been known to target minors, regardless of gender, in sports such as softball, basketball, baseball, soccer, and more. To keep young players safe, organizations should conduct mandatory background checks on all coaches and staff, additionally security cameras may be used on the property. They should also be vigilant in monitoring the behaviors of coaches and responding to any reports of misconduct."
"Sex crimes against minors can take many forms, including the production of photos and videos, as well as sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and online solicitation. Victims of sexual abuse and their families have the right to take legal action if they have been a victim of a sexual crime. Negligent third parties, such as youth sports organizations, can be held liable for not providing a safe environment for their players and for disregarding reports of inappropriate behavior. Filing a sports sex abuse lawsuit is one way to hold these third parties accountable. Victims can learn more by speaking to an experienced sexual abuse lawyer."
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