Coach may have crossed line with team member
Posted at: 01/25/2013 5:44 PM
By: Chris Ramirez, KOB Eyewitness News 4
 Photo: Joseph Cordova |
An Olympic hopeful is in jail accused of molesting a 15-year-old girl who he coached.
Joseph Cordova is a Los Lunas native and a multi-champion of the United States Arm Wrestling National Championship.
During a 2009 interview with KOB Eyewitness News 4, Cordova said he was training to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Deputies say two years ago, he coached a girl at his home and performed sex acts on her. The girl came forward with the allegations in November. According to a criminal complaint, the alleged victim said what started as kissing escalated into oral sex within a few days.
“A lot of times we don't get disclosure until the victim gets older,” said Bernalillo County Deputy Aaron Williamson. “There could be multiple factors that play into that like afraid of getting in trouble.”
Deputies said Cordova thought the sex acts between him and the giri were consensual, but a police report states the alleged victim was afraid of him due to the fact that she was only 15 and he was older and stronger.
Deputies are now investigating if there may be any other claims of sex abuse.
“He was prominent in the arm wrestling community. I'm willing to say he has probably coached other kids as well,” said Dep. Williamson.
 |
Tweet |
|
