A Woodbridge man who coached girls’ basketball at Gar-Field High School was arrested Wednesday and charged with five counts of indecent liberties by a custodian after police said he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old player on his team. Demetrius Montrell Felder, 47, is being held without bond.
Felder worked as head coach of the girls’ basketball team at Gar-Field High School and as an assistant teacher at Beville Middle School, according to WJLA. Police allege the reported incidents began in June, when Felder picked up the 15-year-old player from her home, according to FOX 5 DC. Investigators say he then drove her to an undisclosed location in Prince William County, assaulted her, and drove her back home.
A Second Reported Incident During a Ride Home
Police say a subsequent incident involved Felder touching the player inappropriately while giving her a ride home. The station’s report notes that none of the reported assaults occurred on school grounds. Authorities have not said whether there may be additional victims, per the same account.
Felder was arrested Wednesday and charged with five counts of indecent liberties by a custodian, Prince William County police said, per Potomac Local. Potomac Local reports he was taken into custody that day, held without bond, and has a court date pending. The charges stem from Virginia’s law addressing indecent liberties taken with a child by a person in a custodial or supervisory relationship, according to the Virginia Code.
School Response and Leadership Change
Gar-Field High School Principal Matthew Mathison placed Felder on administrative leave following the arrest. Mathison said the alleged victim is a student at the high school and that her parents were notified, the station notes. The school named Kenny Miller, its current assistant director of student activities, as interim head coach for the upcoming season.
Police are asking anyone with information about the case to call them at 703-792-7000, according to WJLA.
