HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla.-- A cheerleading coach in Brandon has been arrested and accused of sending sexually explicit photos to a teen using SnapChat.
- Victor Martin Valenty, 28, facing multiple charges
- Valenty a coach at Storm All Stars in Brandon, where he met the victim
- Pinellas County also conducting investigation
Deputies said an anonymous tip led to the investigation.
Investigators believe Victor Valenty, 28, met the victim at Storm All Stars in Brandon where he worked.
The gym posted a statement on its door stating it conducts rigorous background checks and Valenty has since been fired.
Deputies accuse Valenty of sending the photos to the teen when she was as young as 14 years old. They said he also picked her up in Hillsborough County several times and allegedly took her back to his place to engage in sexual activity.
One woman looking to start a special needs program at the gym said she doesn't believe the gym knew about it.
"That's just very, very upsetting. I just can't believe that, but again I believe in the owners and they didn't know that was going on and they definitely wouldn't have tolerated something that. So I feel like its an isolated incident,” said Debbie Herrington, who came to the gym to see if it was still open.
Practice was cancelled Thursday at Storm All Stars. Several adults remained inside. One man cracked the door open and said, “There is not going to be any comment at this time.”
Deputies said Valenty admitted to receiving and sending photos to the teen. Investigators said he also admitted to picking her up in Hillsborough County and taking her back to his place.
Pinellas County is investigating what is alleged to have happened at Valenty's apartment.
Hillsborough County deputies said they are unaware of any more victims at this time. If anyone believes they maybe a victim or knows information about other victims, call the Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.