Ex-Royal Palm Beach Coach charged with lewd conduct on teen: Cops seek more victims
A former high school volleyball coach in South Florida was taken into custody and is now looking at several felony charges after being accused of inappropriate physical contact with one of his minor-aged student athletes. And now, law enforcement officials in the area are concerned that there are additional child victims out there.
On October 28, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office distributed a picture of 55-year-old Arturo Gonzalez who used to be the girls’ varsity volleyball coach at Royal Palm Beach Community High School. Accompanying his photo was the request:
“Please take a close look at this man. This suspect, Arturo “Arty” Gonzalez, was arrested for Lewd or Lascivious Touching and Offense Against a Student by an Authority Figure. He served as a girls’ volleyball coach at a local high school and also operates a private volleyball club for girls.”
Gonzalez was apprehended on October 23 and charged with (felony) indecent, lewd, or lascivious touching of a minor, and (felony) offense against a student by an authority figure. CBS 12 News shared that the victim was a 16-year-old girl who reported that Gonzalez complimented her body, massaged her shoulders, and touched her breast over her clothing despite her verbal objections.
The arrest report says, “Arturo moved his hands toward her chest touching her lower breast area over her shirt. She described his actions as massaging and grabbing.”
The report also says quote, “She stated she verbally told him “no” and expressed discomfort, but he just laughed and continued.”
Following his arrest, Gonzalez allegedly admitted to law enforcement officials regarding the inappropriate touching of his student and also admitted to asking the student not to tell her parents about the incident.
The Palm Beach County School District reported that Gonzalez was hired by the School District on February 25, 2022, and fired on October 23, 2025. On October 14, Principal Dr. Shakeica Robinson issued a statement to the Royal Palm Beach High School community saying that, “I am writing to inform you that girls’ volleyball coach, Mr. Arturo Gonzalez, is no longer employed with the School District of Palm Beach County.”
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The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office went on to say that detectives believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Diez at 561-688-4143 or DiezD@pbso.org. You can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS.
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(Source and booking photo of Arturo Gonzalez: Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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