Investigators with the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 41 year-old, Eduardo Mendoza for Criminal Sexual Conduct with a Minor 3rd degree.
Investigators received a report on Nov. 23, 20, regarding Mendoza inappropriately touching an athlete while working in his capacity as a youth soccer coach for the YMCA, located at 100 Adams Mill Road, in Simpsonville.
During the course of investigation, investigators were able to substantiate the allegations of inappropriate conduct and arrested Mendoza on Dec. 7. Mendoza was transported to the Greenville County Detention Center where he has since been released on a $15,000 bond.
Investigators have learned that Mendoza has coached as many as five youth soccer teams each season, for the past eight years and are concerned there might be additional victims.
Investigators ask for anyone with information regarding additional inappropriate conduct against Mendoza to call Crime Stoppers of Greenville at 232-7463 or our Specialized Investigations Division at 864-467- 4704.
YMCA's statement
YMCA of Greenville’s president and CEO Scot Baddley released a statement about the arrest of volunteer Eduardo Mendoza.
“At the YMCA of Greenville, the safety and well-being of children in our care always has been and always will be a top priority. Earlier this morning, we learned Eduardo Mendoza, a volunteer soccer coach at the Adams Mill Road YMCA branch, was arrested this past Friday on allegations of inappropriate conduct with a minor. We take allegations of this nature very seriously and are concerned for those affected. Upon hearing of his arrest, we have revoked Mr. Mendoza’s volunteer status and canceled his membership with the Y.
“We are in direct contact with law enforcement and are fully supporting their investigation. Because this is an official police matter, we are unable to provide any further comment at this time. Questions about the investigation should be directed to Greenville County Sherriff’s Office.
“YMCA of Greenville has a series of measures in place to help keep kids safe. Our Y:
• conducts criminal background checks on all volunteers;
• conducts a daily screening against the National Sex Offender Registry on all members;
• conducts criminal background and reference checks on all staff prior to hiring;
• requires all staff to complete training on recognizing and preventing abuse; and
• reports any allegations or suspicions of abuse to law enforcement.
“Mr. Mendoza cleared the criminal background and National Sex Offender Registry checks,” Baddley said.