Former Dominguez Coach Convicted of Child Molestation

Former Dominguez Coach
Convicted of Child Molestation

November 3, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
Shiara Dávila-Morales, Assistant PIO
(213) 974-3525

COMPTON – Former Dominguez High School basketball coach Russell Otis was convicted today of child molestation, requiring him to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

The jury hung on a felony count of meeting a minor for a lewd purpose, voting 10-2 in favor of guilt, said Deputy District Attorney Angela Brunson with the Compton Branch. Otis was found not guilty of one count each of felony grand theft and forgery.

The jury deliberated 10 days before convicting the 47-year-old Otis, 47 of misdemeanor child molestation. Brunson said prosecutors have not decided whether to retry him on the felony count of making unwanted sexual advances to a male under 18 on Aug. 30, 2008.

The jury found Otis not guilty of forgery and of receiving a $15,000 check from Nike that was suppose to go to the basketball program.

Otis returns to court Dec. 1 for pretrial conference. Otis remains free on bail.

jr

Please read our Privacy Policy.