Volleyball coach accused of lewd conduct with teen player

ROYAL PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A high school volleyball coach in Palm Beach County was arrested and faces multiple felonies following allegations of inappropriate physical contact with a student athlete.

Arturo Gonzalez, 55, who served as the girls’ varsity volleyball coach at Royal Palm Beach Community High School, was taken into custody on October 23. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) says Gonzalez faces charges of indecent, lewd, or lascivious touching of a minor and offense against a student by an authority figure. Both felony offenses under Florida law.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim — a 16-year-old student — reported that Gonzalez made inappropriate comments and physical contact during a nearly two-hour private volleyball lesson held in an enclosed racquetball court on October 10. The student stated that Gonzalez complimented her body, massaged her shoulders, and touched her breast over her clothing despite her verbal objections.

The arrest report says quote, “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.”

The student disclosed the incident to her mother the following day, prompting an investigation by the Special Victims Unit. Detectives said they conducted multiple controlled phone calls between the student and Gonzalez, during which he allegedly admitted to touching her shoulder, back, and breast, and expressed remorse. He described the contact as a “tense massage” and said he “got carried away.”

“It’s not acceptable. Teachers are there and we send our kids here and they should be in a protected environment and especially from an adult, should definitely know what’s right and wrong,” said Luis Lopez, a Royal Palm Beach High School parent.

“I’m absolutely flabbergasted that people think that that’s proper in any way, means or form. Now if the school system is taking proper action, I support the school system. They can’t control everybody every minute of the day,” said Susan Wransky, a grandparent of two students at Royal Palm Beach High.

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In a recorded interview with investigators, Gonzalez allegedly admitted to PBSO of the physical contact and acknowledged he had no professional training in massage therapy. He also admitted to asking the student not to tell her parents, citing panic over the incident.

On October 14, Principal Dr. Shakeica Robinson issued a statement to Royal Palm Beach High School families:

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.

Please understand that because this is a personnel matter, we are unable to provide further details regarding the matter at this time.

The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. If you have any relevant information regarding Mr. Gonzalez, please contact School Police at (561) 434-8700, attn: Lt. Wagner.

Dr. Robinson also confirmed that Athletic Director Eric Patterson would oversee the team’s District tournament match against Forest Hill High School.

“It’s not acceptable for any reason but I will let the school district and the courts do their work and continue to bring my grandson here,” said Denise, another grandparent of a student at Royal Palm Beach High School. She declined to give her last name.

“I just think it’s like really sad that something like that has to happen and I feel really bad for the victim or victims,” said Midjeana Lubin, 18, a senior at Royal Palm Beach High School.

“I think it is very crazy. I think the girls gotta stay safe and this is really unfortunate. These guys, it’s horrible,” said Zachary Gibson, 18, a senior at Royal Palm Beach High.

The Palm Beach County School District says Gonzalez was hired by the School District February 25, 2022 and his coaching job ended July 1, 2024.

He was rehired by the School District March 25, 2025 and he was terminated October 23, 2025.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have collected physical evidence and a DNA sample from Gonzalez. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Palm Beach County School Police at (561) 434-8700.

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