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Breaking Legal News
A volunteer football coach in Pinellas County has been arrested following allegations that he engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old girl, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday. Pinellas County Volunteer Football Coach Reginald Seay Accused of Sending Explicit Messages to 14-Year-Old Girl.
Reginald Seay, 39, of Clearwater, was serving as a volunteer football coach for the Tarpon Springs Jr. Spongers when he first encountered the victim — who was just 13 years old at the time — on the football field. Authorities say the relationship that followed crossed serious legal and ethical lines.
Detectives allege Seay spent more than three months sending sexually explicit text messages to the girl, who had since turned 14, and exposed himself to her over FaceTime. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Seay also instructed the teen to delete their text message exchanges, telling her the conversations could "put him in jail."
Investigators arrested Seay at his Clearwater home on Tuesday and transported him to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office's Largo headquarters. During an interview with detectives, Seay reportedly admitted to the allegations made against him.
He now faces one count of harmful communication to a minor and has been booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
The case remains active. Pinellas County deputies are urging anyone with information related to this investigation to contact Corporal K. McKee directly at (727) 582-5827.
The factual information above was sourced from fox13news.com as of July 1, 2026.
The attorney commentary below is not specifically about the case reported above. Attorney commentary provided is information about these types of cases in the justice system.
When a child is sexually abused by someone they were taught to trust — a coach, a mentor, a team leader — the fallout for the family can feel paralyzing. Beyond the emotional devastation, many parents are left with urgent and unanswered questions about what legal steps they can take to protect their child and hold the responsible parties accountable. Florida sexual abuse attorney Michael Haggard speaks about what families need to know, from preserving evidence to understanding the difference between criminal and civil action, and why coming forward can make a difference not just for their own child, but for others as well.
Editor Darla Medina: When a child is sexually abused by a youth coach, what are the first steps a family should take from a legal standpoint?
Attorney Michael Haggard: The very first thing a family should do is report the abuse to law enforcement immediately. Preserving any evidence — text messages, emails, social media exchanges — is also critical at that stage. After that, contacting an attorney who handles sexual abuse cases allows the family to understand both their criminal and civil legal options at the same time.
Medina: Many people don't realize there may be civil options beyond the criminal case. Can you explain what that looks like?
Haggard: Absolutely. A criminal case is pursued by the state — the family has no direct control over that process. But a civil lawsuit is something the family brings on their own behalf. It allows them to hold not only the abuser accountable financially, but potentially the organization that placed that person in contact with children. If an organization failed to properly screen, supervise, or remove someone who posed a risk, they may share legal responsibility for what happened.
Medina: What about youth sports organizations specifically — can they be held liable?
Haggard: They absolutely can be. Organizations that work with minors have a legal duty to protect the children under their supervision. That means conducting background checks, enforcing codes of conduct, and responding appropriately to any warning signs. When they fall short of that duty and a child is harmed as a result, Florida law allows families to pursue civil action against them.
Medina: What would you say to parents who may be hesitant to come forward?
Haggard: I understand the hesitation — it's an incredibly painful and overwhelming situation. But coming forward not only gives your child a path toward justice and healing, it can also protect other children from the same harm. Most sexual abuse attorneys offer free, confidential consultations, so there is no risk in simply making that call and understanding your options.
If your child has been sexually abused by a youth coach or anyone in a position of authority, you do not have to navigate this process without support. The Legal Herald is here to connect you with an experienced sexual abuse attorney who can walk you through your legal options at no cost and with no obligation. Time matters in these cases — evidence can disappear and legal deadlines apply. Contact us today to take the first step in protecting your child and your family's rights.
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