Orange County coach accused of sending sexually explicit messages to students

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County middle school basketball coach is accused of sending sexually explicit photos and messages to female students, deputies said.

Deonte Johnson, 23, was a volunteer boys’ basketball coach at Gotha Middle School. He was arrested Friday night.

Johnson made his first appearance before a judge Monday.

Investigators said Johnson sent inappropriate messages to underage girls at the school, who reported the messages to a school resource deputy.

According to police documents, one girl told investigators, "Johnson asked her inappropriate questions, such as if she has ever touched a boy on his private part, if he could come over, if he could kiss her on school property where no one would see."

Detectives said Johnson also used Snapchat to send the girl a photo of his penis.

Neighbor Louis Benton said he has known Johnson since he was a small boy, and he has never known Johnson to get in any trouble.

“This young man right here, I don’t live with him. But I do know he’s a pretty good guy. But you know, these days and times, what can you say?” Benton told Channel 9’s Jeff Deal.

Investigators said Johnson admitted to sending the Snapchat penis photo.

A judge has ordered Johnson to remain in jail without bond.

Cox Media Group