A volunteer football coach in Pinellas County is behind bars after deputies say he carried on an inappropriate relationship with a young teen girl for months, sending her explicit messages and exposing himself over video chat.
What Happened
Reginald Seay, 39, worked as a volunteer coach for the Tarpon Springs Jr. Spongers football program. Investigators say he first met the victim on the football field when she was just 13 years old.
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Seay spent more than three months texting the girl, who is now 14, and during that time, he sent her sexually explicit messages and showed her his genitals during a FaceTime call.
Deputies also revealed that Seay repeatedly told the teen to delete their text conversations, warning her that the messages could get him thrown in jail. That statement became a key piece of evidence once investigators caught wind of the situation.
On Tuesday, detectives arrested Seay at his home in Clearwater and brought him to the sheriff’s office headquarters in Largo for questioning.
During that interview, Seay admitted to the allegations against him, according to authorities. He now faces one count of harmful communication to a minor and was booked into the Pinellas County Jail.
Youth League Responds
The Tarpon Springs Jr. Spongers organization released a statement after learning of the arrest, confirming that Seay had been immediately removed from his volunteer position.
The league said he is barred from coaching, volunteering, or taking part in any activity connected to the organization going forward.
The statement also clarified that the victim was not affiliated with the Spongers program in any way.
League officials emphasized that Seay had completed the required background screening before he was approved as a volunteer, and said they plan to review their screening, supervision, and reporting procedures to see whether additional safeguards are needed.
The organization said it has zero tolerance for behavior that puts children at risk or breaks the trust families place in youth sports programs.
Because the case involves pending criminal charges, the league said it will not comment further on the specifics and will cooperate with law enforcement moving forward.
Investigation Continues
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office says the case remains under active investigation. Detectives are asking anyone who may have additional information about Seay or the case to reach out to Corporal K. McKee at 727-582-5827.
This case adds to a growing list of incidents involving youth sports volunteers accused of exploiting their access to children.
Parents and youth organizations across the region are once again being reminded of the importance of vetting coaches and staying alert to warning signs, even when someone has already cleared a standard background check.
As the investigation continues, more details could emerge about how the relationship went unnoticed for as long as it did, and whether any additional safeguards will be put in place across youth sports leagues in the area.
