Quantcast

Jamaica basketball coach accused of lewd video chat with teen player : DA

By Juan Soto

A Jamaica basketball coach was arrested and charged in connection with a lewd video of one of the teenage players he coached, the Queens district attorney said.

Robert Walker, 42, was charged with possession of child pornography and other crimes, according to DA Richard Brown.

He said Walker allegedly had a lewd video chat in April with the 15-year-old victim.

“The defendant is accused of taking advantage of his position as a basketball coach and instructing a 15-year-old and others to engage in inappropriate activity,” Brown said. “The results will no doubt emotionally scar the youngsters for the rest of their lives.”

The teenager told his parents about these chats, Brown said, who then contacted the authorities.

Walker coaches three Amateur Athletic Union teams. The district attorney pointed out the defendant also conducts regular basketball workouts with teenagers.

Brown said Walker admitted conducting workouts with teens, allegedly asking the boys to take off their clothes after practice and then taking pictures of them.

Walker was charged with the use of a child in a sexual performance, disseminating indecent material to minors, possessing a sexual performance by a child and endangering the welfare of a child.

He was arraigned Tuesday. A judge set bail at $50,000 and he is due back in court Dec. 2, according to the DA’s office.

Walker faces up to 15 year in prison if convicted of the charges.
Brown said detectives found the video of the alleged incident on a chat after executing a search warrant of the youth basketball coach’s computer at his Jamaica home.

The district attorney said the defendant also admitted to taking more lewd videos of boys as young as 14.

Brown urged other possible victims to call the 105th Police Precinct Detective Squad at (718) 776-9252.

Reach reporter Juan Soto by e-mail at jsoto‌@cngl‌ocal.com or by phone at (718) 260–4564.