Burbank High girls’ volleyball coach arrested after allegedly soliciting nude photos from players
Burbank High volleyball coach Kyle Roach was arrested Thursday after allegedly soliciting nude photos, anonymously through social media, from multiple players on his team, police said.
A Burbank High School varsity girls volleyball coach was arrested after allegedly soliciting nude photos, anonymously through social media, from multiple players on his team, police said.
Police opened the investigation on Sunday after two students came forward with suspicions that the messages were coming from their coach, identified as 28-year-old Glendale resident Kyle Roach, according to Burbank Police Lt. Adam Cornils.
It’s unclear how many girls in total he allegedly contacted, or how many photos he received, but “he did get photos,” Cornils said, adding that there was no blackmailing or threats involved. The students were 16 and 17 years old.
The investigation also revealed that Roach, who according to school officials has served as a substitute teacher, allegedly had an ongoing sexual relationship with a former student while she was a minor. The woman is now an adult and no longer attends Burbank High.
Roach was released from police custody after posting $50,000 bail. A woman who answered the phone at Roach’s residence on Friday said he did not want to comment.
Roach started coaching at Burbank High five years ago, after spending a year coaching volleyball at Crescenta Valley High School, according to his LinkedIn profile.
He was arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography, annoying or molesting a child and oral copulation with a minor.
Parents on Thursday were notified about the arrest through an automated phone call, according to incoming Burbank Unified Supt. Matt Hill.
On Friday morning, school officials, along with Burbank police, met with volleyball team members and their parents to answer questions. The Family Service Agency of Burbank was also available in case students or parents wanted additional support, he added.
Hill encouraged the community to rally and show support for the school’s athletes.
Hill declined to comment on Roach’s employment status, but said “he is not coming to our campus at this time.”
Anyone who has further information or believes they may be a victim is asked to call Burbank police at (818) 238-3000.
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FOR THE RECORD
June 19, 2015, 2:54 p.m.: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated Roach was arrested on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a child. The legal code he was arrested on was suspicion of oral copulation with a minor.
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