Boys and Girls Club employee accused of touching 11-year-old inappropriately

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Kissimmee police are trying to track down anyone who thinks they may have been victimized by a local Boys and Girls Club worker.

Sylvester "Coach Sly" Johnson, 62, was arrested Thursday night on charges of lewd and lascivious battery on an 11-year-old girl.

On Wednesday, the mother of the victim contacted the Boys and Girls Club on Dyer Boulevard to report that Johnson had touched her daughter inappropriately.

The Boys and Girls Club then contacted the Department of Children and Families about the allegations, which in turn contacted the Kissimmee Police Department.

The victim told detectives that she had asked Johnson for $1 to get a snack.  Officers said Johnson told the victim he couldn't give her money in front of the other children and he led her to a utility closet, where he allegedly touched her inappropriately.

Authorities said other girls who attend the Boys and Girls Club have come forward, stating Johnson has touched them inappropriately, too.

"Her story was very believable and as we were interviewing her, other victims came forward," said Stacie Miller of the Kissimmee Police Department.

Those allegations remain under investigation.

"At this point, it's still an open, active investigation. So, we're not disclosing exactly how many children have come forward, but there's been multiple, and we're also asking anybody that has had contact with Mr. Johnson, and they think it's been inappropriate, to call us," said Stacie Miller of the Kissimmee Police Department.

Detectives are urging any additional victims to please contact the Kissimmee Police Department's Major Crimes Unit at 407-846-3333, by e-mail at seeitsayit@kissimmee.org or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

Johnson is being held in the Osceola County Jail without bond.

Channel 9 learned Johnson has worked with the Boys and Girls Club for about six years as fitness and recreational director.

According to his bio, he's also worked as a substitute teacher at Liberty High School and has been involved with youth sports for more than 30 years.

Investigators worry with so many ties to kids, there could be even more victims.

WFTV