Former Miami Springs Little League coach Adrian Cotera was arrested on child exploitation charges following a cyber tip. Cotera faces 20 counts of promoting sexual performance by a child. The Miami Springs Police Department acted on a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, tracing IP addresses to Cotera’s residence. WSVN reported that Cotera was also found with a firearm and a large amount of suspected cocaine when he was stopped in his car.
In addition to the initial charges, Cotera is facing armed possession of a controlled substance charges, according to Miami-Dade Corrections. Authorities also connected Cotera to the download of child pornography, which contributed to his arrest today. CBS News Miami reported that Cotera, who had no prior criminal history, confessed during questioning.
Fred Gonzalez, President of Miami Springs Little League, confirmed Cotera’s dismissal and expressed support for the police in their efforts to protect the community. "We are aware of the arrest of Adrian Cotera and he is no longer a volunteer coach for Miami Springs Little League. We are very proud of the work the Miami Springs Police Department continues to do to keep our community safe," he said to CBS News Miami.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Miami Springs Police Department. Cotera is currently held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, and no date has been set for his first court appearance.
