Michael Joseph Pusateri, Child Sex Crimes, Maryland 2025

Baltimore County Softball Coach Indicted on Child Sex Crimes Charges

Baltimore, Maryland – In a shocking turn of events, a Perry Hall, Maryland, softball coach has been indicted on child sex crimes charges. Michael Joseph Pusateri, 59, of Nottingham, Maryland, is accused of producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), coercion and enticement, receipt of CSAM, and possession of CSAM.

According to the indictment, between April 2025 and August 2025, Pusateri sent sexually explicit text messages to a minor victim and later engaged in a physical sexual relationship with the child. He allegedly asked the minor victim to meet him at local-business parking lots to engage in sex acts. Pusateri also groomed the minor victim through text messages and coerced and enticed the child into sending him sexual images.

When law enforcement seized his phone, the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) uncovered over 400 phone calls between Pusateri and the minor victim from March 21, 2025, through July 25. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI, the Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, and BCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Elizabeth McGuinn, who is prosecuting the federal case. If convicted, Pusateri faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, with a maximum of 30 years in federal prison for CSAM production; 10 years to life for coercion and enticement; and up to 10 years for CSAM possession.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. The case is part of a broader effort to combat child sex crimes and protect vulnerable victims. The community is urged to come forward with any information that may aid in the investigation.

The Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office has also provided resources for the community to help prevent child sex crimes. For more information, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

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