In a shocking turn of events, a youth basketball coach in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been arrested for possession of child pornography. The coach, Dwayne Yuen, 49 years old, was taken into custody after a criminal complaint was filed against him in federal court. It is alleged that Yuen, who coached mostly middle school and high school girls, engaged in explicit and inappropriate communication with one of his players, including sending explicit photos and requesting sexual acts. This arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, as parents and community members trusted Yuen with the well-being of their children. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now urging anyone who may have been affected by Yuen’s conduct to come forward. If convicted, Yuen could face up to 10 years in prison.
Youth Basketball Coach Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography
Background Information
On February 2, 2023, Dwayne Yuen, a 49-year-old resident of Honolulu, was arrested for possession of child pornography. The arrest was made by the Honolulu Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in collaboration with the United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii, Clare E. Connors. The charge against Yuen was contained in a criminal complaint filed in federal court and unsealed upon his arrest. Yuen is scheduled to appear in the United States District Court on February 3, 2023, before United States Magistrate Judge Rom Trader.
Arrest and Charge
According to the complaint and affidavit, Yuen was a youth basketball coach primarily coaching middle school and high school age girls in and around Oahu. The alleged incidents occurred in or around 2016 when Yuen, who was the victim’s basketball coach, met her when she was a freshman in high school. The victim, who was a minor at the time, received sexually explicit text messages from Yuen in 2020. These messages included explicit photos of Yuen, requests for sexual acts, and requests for sexually explicit images of the victim. Yuen also bought gifts for the victim and repeatedly offered her additional sums of money for engaging in sexual activities with him.
Court Appearance
Yuen’s first court appearance will take place on February 3, 2023. The complaint charges him with repeatedly taking sexual advantage of a minor under his coaching supervision. U.S. Attorney Connors emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating that it is a reprehensible violation of the trust placed in adults responsible for the children’s athletic development within the community. Acting Special Agent in Charge Floyd also condemned Yuen’s alleged actions, describing them as disgraceful and an abuse of power. The FBI is committed to investigating such crimes and holding the perpetrators accountable.
Details of Allegations
Victim’s Age and Relationship to the Coach
The victim in this case was a minor when the alleged incidents occurred. She was a freshman in high school in 2016 when she first came into contact with Dwayne Yuen. As her basketball coach, Yuen held a position of authority and trust over her, which he allegedly exploited for his own sexual gratification.
Explicit Communications and Requests
According to the complaint and affidavit, Yuen sent sexually explicit text messages to the victim. These messages involved requests for sexual acts to be performed by both parties and requests for sexually explicit images of the victim. Such explicit communication is deeply troubling, particularly given the minor’s vulnerable position under Yuen’s authority and guidance.
Gifts and Financial Offers
Yuen allegedly bought gifts for the victim and repeatedly offered her additional sums of money in exchange for engaging in sexual activities with him. These actions demonstrate a manipulative pattern of behavior aimed at coercing the victim into participating in sexual acts and compromising her well-being.
Sexually Explicit Images and Videos
During the investigation, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Yuen’s Apple iCloud account. As a result, they discovered sexually explicit images of the victim. These images were either sent by the victim upon Yuen’s request or captured by Yuen without her knowledge during a live video chat. This evidence further supports the serious nature of the charges against Yuen.
Law Enforcement and FBI Investigation
Contact Information for Reporting Potential Victims
In light of Yuen’s arrest, the FBI is actively reaching out to identify any individuals who may have been victims of child sexual exploitation or who may have been affected by Yuen’s conduct. Potential victims, or anyone with information relating to the case, are encouraged to contact the FBI using the following information:
- Phone: (808) 673-2719
- Website: www.fbi.gov/yueninvestigation
- Email: yueninvestigation@fbi.gov
The FBI is dedicated to the protection of children and is pursuing a thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served.
In conclusion, the arrest of Dwayne Yuen, a youth basketball coach, on charges of possessing child pornography is a deeply troubling and disturbing incident. The abuse of trust and authority exhibited by Yuen is a violation of the safety and well-being of minors under his care. The law enforcement agencies involved, including the FBI, are taking decisive action to investigate the case thoroughly and hold the perpetrator accountable. The public is encouraged to come forward with any information that may help in the investigation or identify potential victims who may have suffered similar exploitation. Ensuring the safety and protection of children is a top priority, and every effort is being made to address these serious allegations and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.