Former coach arrested for sex crimes against children in Marion County, officials say – WFTV

OCALA, Fla. – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office said a former coach of the Boys and Girls Club basketball team was arrested Wednesday.

Carl Lombardo, 58, is accused of sexual acts with a child, human trafficking and the production of child pornography.

The sheriff's office said it received a report on Aug. 31 that Lomardo failed to return a 15-year-old to his parents' house after an overnight stay at his home.

Deputies said Lombardo recorded a video of the 15-year-old texting his parents and asking them to let him stay with Lombardo, but they learned he forced the child to do so.

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The parents said they would call police because Lombardo was holding their child, but Lombardo was not concerned because of his reputation, the sheriff's office said.

The child was returned, but during the investigation, investigators discovered that Lombardo had used his position at the Boys and Girls Club to approach children and hold them in his home for several days.

Investigators said Lombardo inappropriately photographed and touched the children.

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According to a press release, law enforcement searched Lombardo's cell phones and found material depicting child sexual abuse, including images of the suspect fondling the children.

When he was arrested, officials said, Lombardo told a Marion County detective that he was trying to “save” the children from abuse and offered the children's parents $5,000 each to take them in.

Lombardo was arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail without bail.

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Investigators believe Lombardo may have abused other children as well.

If anyone has information on other potential victims, contact Detective Osthed at (352) 351-4710.

This story is becoming more current. WFTV has reached out to the Boys and Girls Club for comment and is awaiting a response.

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