Ocala, FL – A 58-year-old ex-Boys and Girls Club basketball coach faces serious charges in Marion County, Florida. Carl Lombardo was arrested Wednesday for alleged sexual activities with a minor, human trafficking, and production of child pornography.
Allegations of Child Exploitation by a Youth Coach
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office reported that on August 31, they received a complaint about Lombardo failing to return a 15-year-old after a sleepover. Investigators discovered Lombardo had coerced the teen to write a note asking to stay with him. When parents threatened to contact authorities, Lombardo reportedly dismissed their concerns, citing his reputation.
Abuse of Position and Trust to Exploit Children
Detectives uncovered that Lombardo exploited his role at the Boys and Girls Club to gain access to children, often keeping them at his residence for extended periods. He allegedly photographed and inappropriately touched the minors in his care.
Evidence and Arrest of Boys and Girls Club Basketball Coach in FL
A search of Lombardo’s cellphones revealed disturbing content, including child sexual abuse material and images of Lombardo with the victims. Upon arrest, Lombardo claimed he was trying to “save” the children from abuse. He allegedly offered parents $5,000 per child to keep them.
Ongoing Investigation to Identify Additional Victims
Lombardo is currently held without bond at Marion County Jail. Authorities suspect there may be additional victims and urge anyone with information to contact Detective Osthed at (352) 351-4710.
The Boys and Girls Club has been contacted for comment. This story continues to unfold as more details emerge.
Legal Pathways for Victims of Child Sex Abuse and Trafficking
In the aftermath of the disturbing arrest of former Boys and Girls Club basketball coach Carl Lombardo, questions arise about the legal recourse available to victims of sexual abuse by trusted authority figures. To address these concerns, we spoke with Florida attorney Jen Lipinski, who specializes in sexual abuse cases. Lipinski offers valuable information on the rights of victims, the potential for holding negligent organizations accountable, and the steps families can take to navigate the complex legal landscape following such traumatic experiences. Her insights provide a roadmap for those seeking to understand their options and find a path forward in the wake of abuse.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Thank you for joining us. What can children do legally if they’ve been sexually abused or trafficked by a youth coach?
Jen Lipinski, Esq.: Children and their families have two main options. First, they can report the abuse to the police, who might then charge the abuser with a crime. Second, the child’s family can sue the abuser in court. They might also be able to sue organizations that should have kept the child safe, like sports clubs or schools.
Banville: How can we make sure organizations that didn’t protect children are held responsible?
Lipinski: If an organization hired the coach or let them be around children, they might be responsible if they didn’t do enough to keep kids safe. This could mean they didn’t check the coach’s background properly, ignored signs of trouble, or didn’t have good safety rules. We look at how they hire people, train them, and handle complaints. If they were careless, they might have to pay money to the victims.
Banville: What should families do if their child has been abused?
Lipinski: First, tell the police right away. Then, get medical help and counseling for the child. Also, talk to a lawyer who knows about these cases as soon as you can. There are time limits for suing, and acting quickly helps save evidence. Going through the legal process can help victims feel stronger and get money to help with their recovery.
Support for Victims and Families of Child Sex Crimes
If you or a loved one has experienced abuse, remember that you are not alone. There are resources and legal avenues available to help you seek justice and healing. We encourage victims and their families to reach out for support. Contact us today for a free consultation, where we can discuss your situation, explain your rights, and guide you through the next steps. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities.
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
