Soccer coach who fled with teen faces child sex charge

A Florida soccer coach who traveled up the east coast with a 17-year-old high school student is now facing additional charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Caitlin Frisina of Colombia County went missing in late November and was later found to have fled with Rian Rodriguez, 27, the head boys soccer coach at Fort White High School.

State troopers spotted the pair nearly a week later in upstate New York. Rodriguez was taken into custody and Caitlin, who was unharmed, reunited with her family.

Rodriguez was initially charged with interference with child custody, and News 4 Jax reports that prosecutors added the child sex charge this week, which was upgraded to a first-degree felony because as a school staff member and coach, he was in a position of authority over Frisina.

According to the charging documents obtained by the news station, Rodriguez is believed to have had sexual intercourse multiple times with the teen, who reportedly admitted to police that she and the coach had a sexual relationship.

If convicted of both counts, Rodriguez could face a total of 35 years in prison. He is being held on $125,000 bond, and will be subject to supervised release if he makes bail.

 

 

[Feature image: Colombia County Sheriff]