Key keywords: Nashville sexual abuse allegation, 16-year-old minor male victim, Tennessee statutory rape regulations, Davidson County felony arrest, adult-minor inappropriate sexual relationship, Nashville law enforcement juvenile case, child sexual exploitation investigation, Tennessee age of consent laws, youth sports program grooming allegation Local law enforcement in Nashville, Tennessee confirmed this week that a 32-year-old area resident has been arrested and charged with three felony counts following an investigation into an alleged long-term sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy. The suspect, who worked as a part-time volunteer coach for a local recreational youth soccer league, was taken into custody at his home in East Nashville on Tuesday after Davidson County Sheriff’s Office deputies executed a search warrant tied to the case. According to official arrest affidavits, the investigation was launched late last month after the 16-year-old victim’s parent discovered explicit text messages, photo exchanges, and location check-ins between the teen and the suspect on the victim’s mobile phone. The parent immediately contacted the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, which referred the case to the Metro Nashville Police Department’s Juvenile Abuse Unit for a full criminal probe. Investigators say they recovered hundreds of pages of communication records between the suspect and the victim dating back to March 2024, as well as receipts for hotel stays in downtown Nashville and surrounding counties, and GPS records from the suspect’s vehicle showing he regularly picked the teen up from his high school without his parents’ knowledge. Officials noted that the suspect used his position as a volunteer coach to gain the teen’s trust first, offering free private training sessions and gifts before initiating a sexual relationship, a pattern consistent with grooming tactics used by child predators. Under Tennessee state law, the age of consent for sexual activity is 18, meaning any sexual relationship between an adult and a person under 18 is considered statutory rape regardless of whether the minor claims to consent. The suspect is currently facing charges of statutory rape by a person in a position of trust, solicitation of a minor for sexual purposes, and sexual exploitation of a minor, each of which carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 to 20 years upon conviction. If found guilty, he will also be required to register as a sex offender for life, with permanent restrictions on being near schools, parks, and other locations where minors regularly gather. As of Thursday, the suspect is being held at the Davidson County Detention Center on a $75,000 bond, and is scheduled to appear for a preliminary court hearing on October 16. Local youth sports officials confirmed that the suspect has been permanently banned from all league activities, and that the organization is rolling out enhanced background check requirements for all volunteers and staff moving forward. Police are also asking any other members of the community who may have had inappropriate interactions with the suspect, or who have additional information about the case, to contact the Metro Nashville Police Department’s tip line immediately.