SEMINOLE — Soccer season will commence Saturday for a league rocked by allegations that a soccer dad and former coach sexually abused a child.
Pinellas County deputies arrested 45-year-old Michael Joseph Charniak Wednesday and charged him with sexual battery on a child. Charniak was a league parent and former treasurer of the Osceola Youth Soccer Association who coached but was let go last year.
"It was completely unrelated to this, but we voted him out, making a new change," said Arley Bedillion, association president. "It was more internal."
Charniak's daughter was still in the league Friday, as far as Bedillion knew, but he hadn't spoken to the girl.
Authorities raided Charniak's home at 7909 86th Way N, looking into allegations that he trafficked child pornography and tried to lure children online. On a tip that he admitted online to abusing a girl, Tampa agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement served a federal search warrant at the home.
Investigators seized computers and became aware of a child who said Charniak had sexually abused her. Her identity was not given, but authorities say she is between 12 to 18.
The volunteer soccer league based in Seminole serves 300 children and teens age 6 to 19. Upon news of the arrest, leaders contacted every parent via e-mail and telephone. They also sent a letter and spoke to many parents face-to-face. Parents were shocked and dismayed, but relieved to hear Charniak had not coached in a year.
"I didn't know the guy," said Bedillion, who became league president this year. "I knew his face. This is a shock to us. We do background checks on all the coaches and board members. We continue to do that. If it was on the background check, he wouldn't be allowed to be here."
Detectives said Charniak didn't meet the girl through the soccer league. Bedillion is coordinating with the Sheriff's Office so that investigators can determine if Charniak preyed on any team members. Charniak was held without bail at the Pinellas County jail, but should he get out, Osceola Soccer leaders won't let him near the soccer field.
Anyone with information about Charniak can call Detective Kurt Romanosky at (727) 582-6418. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also has a tip line for anyone who wants to report child predators or suspicious activities. Call toll-free, 1-866-347-2423
Stephanie Hayes can be reached at shayes@sptimes.com or (727) 893-8857.
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