A high school football coach at Dobson High School in Mesa found himself on the wrong side of the law this past week. Richard Godsil was arrested on campus Thursday by the Surprise Police Department, with charges of luring a minor for sexual exploitation and furnishing harmful items to minors, as reported by AZFamily. It is assumed that the suspect was booked into jail on a significant $100,000 bond, as stated in the initial coverage.
The nature of the allegations has led the Maricopa County Attorney's Office to act carefully to not justly undermine the larger sex trafficking investigation that is ongoing. Prosecutor Stephen Garcia elaborated in court, saying, "Your honor, this matter arose out of an ongoing sex trafficking operation investigation. We’re just hoping to not compromise that ongoing investigation," according to AZFamily. Despite the charges, the allegations reportedly do not involve students from Mesa Public Schools.
Godsil, who has been with the school since 2019, expressed shock at his initial court appearance when the proposed bond amount was announced. The judge stated, “Mr. Godsil, the state has made a recommendation in this case that you be held on a $150,000 dollar cash only bond,” with Godsil reportedly responding aloud with "holy crap." However, the judge ultimately imposed a $100,000 secured appearance bond, necessitating an ankle monitor if released, as detailed in the initial court transcript.
Reacting promptly to the arrest, Dobson High School Principal Gabbi Buckley sent out a letter to families, ensuring Mr. Godsil was placed on administrative leave and stating, "the district is, and will continue to, fully cooperate with the Surprise Police Department in their investigation," information which was echoed by FOX 10 Phoenix. As for Godsil, he stated in his Dobson High bio his view of coaching as more than merely technique and tactics, saying, "Coaching gives me the opportunity to educate and inspire the young men I work with."
