Soccer Coach Accused of Abusing Young Players During Team Travel Denied Bail For Second Time
A youth soccer coach charged with multiple sex offenses involving players appeared in court Friday, asking again for pretrial release.
Roberto Carlos Huezo Garcia, 30, of Reisterstown, was arrested Aug. 12 on charges of continuous sexual abuse of a minor, sexual solicitation of a minor, indecent exposure to a minor, and displaying obscene materials to a minor. The alleged victims were about 13 years old when the abuse began, and police say the alleged abuse happened in 2025 and early 2026.
Garcia is accused of showing boys pornography, touching them and exposing himself to them, as well as asking them to expose themselves to him. Some of the alleged incidents occurred in hotels while the team was traveling for games, according to investigators.
The investigation stretches well beyond Baltimore County. Assistant State’s Attorney Michael DeStefano said allegations involving Garcia span Baltimore City, Harford and Carroll counties, as well as Washington state, Delaware, Florida, North Carolina and West Virginia.
“Anywhere these kids went for a traveling soccer game or a tournament, this defendant would isolate, groom, and sexually abuse these kids,” DeStefano said.
Baltimore County is prosecuting cases involving two alleged victims and has identified a potential third victim, the prosecutor said.
Garcia appeared at Friday’s hearing by video from the Baltimore County Detention Center. He stood with his hands clasped in front of him and repeatedly shook his head as DeStefano described the allegations against him.
Garcia’s attorney, Stuart Schadt, asked Baltimore County Circuit Court Judge Stacy Mayer to grant his client pretrial release, citing Garcia’s lack of a criminal record and his need to assist in his defense.
Garcia previously was denied bail the day after his arrest, according to court records.
The judge was told that Garcia is not eligible for home detention because he has a pending immigration detainer.
Schadt said Garcia is originally from El Salvador and has lived in the United States since he was 8 years old.
“His entire family lives here,” Schadt said. “He’s got no family left in El Salvador. In fact, he has no passport, no ability to return.”
DeStefano argued that Garcia should remain jailed in part to prevent him from communicating with the alleged victims. He said Garcia has pressured another child to communicate with the two alleged victims on his behalf.
“I don't see any feasible way to fashion pretrial conditions where he won't try to reach out to these children,” DeStefano said.
DeStefano said Garcia set up direct messaging with the alleged victims so he could communicate with them without going through their parents.
“He's a danger to the community,” DeStefano said. “He’s particularly a danger to these two kids who disclosed abuse specifically.”
Investigators reported that Garcia offered one child money and gifts to show his genitals and pressured the child until he complied.
DeStefano said another child’s parent became concerned about Garcia’s contact with his son.
“Another boy's parent became concerned when he noticed that this defendant was calling their child nightly and talking for hours” about a leadership position on the team, DeStefano said.
When the parent confronted Garcia, the coach allegedly threatened to bench the child.
“It’s clear that anyone who talked about this abuse would not be able to play in the soccer games and soccer tournaments,” DeStefano said.
Schadt said Garcia has worked as a warehouse manager for 10 years and recently began selling insurance.
Garcia knew about the allegations for months before his arrest and did not flee, Schadt said. He also said Garcia has information on his cellphone that could help his case and argued that his client should be released so he could better assist in his defense.
Police said Garia coached for multiple private organizations and has been suspended from coaching since the allegations surfaced.
Judge Mayer ordered Garcia held without bond and barred him from contacting the alleged victims. She raised her voice for emphasis as she added, “directly or through third parties.”
