Belle Glade, FL – A Palm Beach County basketball coach has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation involving a 16-year-old girl, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
Palm Beach County Coach Arrested on Felony Sex Crime Charges Involving Student
According to a probable cause affidavit from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, 25-year-old Javian Dennard Golphin Jr. was taken into custody after detectives uncovered evidence of unlawful sexual communication with a minor. Investigators say Golphin used social media and text messages to solicit the student and to send explicit images and videos of himself.
Golphin was listed as a boys basketball coach for Lake Shore Middle School on the district’s website before the listing was removed.
Evidence Recovered from Victim’s Phone
Detectives began investigating after the victim reported receiving nude images and sexually explicit videos from the coach through Instagram and text messages. According to the affidavit, Golphin was aware of the girl’s age yet continued sending graphic media and messages describing sexual acts.
With the guardian’s consent, law enforcement reviewed the girl’s phone, recovering a record of explicit conversations and videos exchanged between early September and late October. Several of the messages referenced dating and romantic interest.
Arrest and Charges Filed Against Middle School Coach
Golphin was arrested on October 21, 2025, and booked into the Palm Beach County West Detention Center. He remains held on a $30,000 bond.
He faces charges of soliciting a child for unlawful sexual conduct using a computer or device, transmission of material harmful to a minor, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
District Response and School Notifications
Following his arrest, the district issued letters to parents and staff at both Lake Shore Middle School and Glades Central Community High School, where Golphin was also affiliated.
Lake Shore Principal Dr. Carl Gibbons said the coach was removed from campus on October 7 after an initial complaint prompted an internal review. “Mr. Golphin was removed from the school on October 7 and placed under investigation. He will not be returning to our campus,” Gibbons wrote, emphasizing that the district enforces strict professional standards and prioritizes student safety.
At Glades Central, Principal Melanie Bolden-Morris sent a similar message confirming Golphin was barred from school grounds and encouraging anyone with further information to contact School Police.
Both school leaders reiterated their commitment to student protection, urging families to report any suspicious behavior immediately or use the FortifyFL reporting app.
Florida Attorney Explains Legal Steps for Families After Coach Abuse Allegations
Following the arrest of a Palm Beach County basketball coach accused of exploiting a student, Florida attorney Jen Lipinski sat down with Laurence Banville to discuss the legal paths available to families affected by abuse involving school staff or coaches. Lipinski outlined how civil claims, institutional accountability, and early legal action can play a central role in helping victims and their families find a path forward.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a family learns that a trusted coach is accused of abusing a student, what immediate legal steps can they take?
Jen Lipinski, Esq.: The first step is securing the victim’s safety and emotional support, often through counseling and crisis resources. From there, families should contact an attorney who understands abuse claims involving schools or youth programs. Legal action can include civil suits against both the individual and the institution if evidence shows negligence or a failure to protect students.
Banville: Do school districts often bear responsibility in these cases?
Lipinski: Yes, if a district ignored complaints, lacked background checks, or allowed continued contact after warnings, they can be held liable. Florida law permits victims to seek financial compensation for trauma and damages, and early legal involvement helps preserve evidence crucial to those claims.
Banville: What advice would you give to parents right now?
Lipinski: Stay attentive to changes in your child’s behavior and keep open communication. Report any suspicious conduct to law enforcement or school police immediately. Then, reach out to an attorney familiar with institutional abuse cases for guidance through what can be a very complex process.
Speak Confidentially With Our Legal Team
Families affected by abuse involving a coach or school employee do not have to face the fallout alone. Our team is available to discuss your situation privately and explain your legal rights at no cost. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how experienced attorneys can help protect your family’s future.
Source
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
