An investigation is underway into a gym owner and jiu-jitsu coach in Sarasota County who's accused of having inappropriate sexual contact with a 14-year-old.
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) said they started investigating Lance Darren Goodall, 32, after the teenager's father found inappropriate videos and photos on the child's phone.
Goodall owned Venom Fitness in Osprey, where authorities said the victim was a student.
Detectives went to Goodall's home on Friday evening after they reviewed messages sent to the minor and decided there was probable cause to charge him. He faced three counts of sexual battery by a person in a position of custodial authority.
When investigators with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office arrived at Goodall's home in Lakewood Ranch, they found him dead by suicide, according to a press release.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Goodall told the teenager he would commit suicide if he was ever caught and sent the victim a picture of a gun. The affidavit said he told the victim he would "rather be dead than see his face all over."
The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office said the investigation remains open and ongoing. At this time, they only have allegations from the 14-year-old. Anyone with information or who may have been a victim is asked to contact SCSO Detective Taylor Garrison.
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