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Former Wagoner youth coach arrested on complaints of lewd molestation

Posted at 11:44 AM, Aug 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-05 10:32:53-04

WAGONER, Okla. — Wagoner County Sheriff's Office arrested a former youth coach on complaints of lewd molestation.

Deputies received information that four minor children in Wagoner had been sexually abused by an adult on July 27, 2020.

Investigators began speaking with the children whose ages range from a young as 12 to 13, and as old as 15 years old, deputies said.

Investigators learned that Brock Stevens befriended the children over two years ago. Stevens supplied the kids with alcohol and Vape Pods, deputies said.

“It would be great if we lived in a perfect society where these individuals who are trusted with our kids would actually treat these kids with respect and take care of them instead of being the type of person that wants to take advantage of them," said Jack Thorp, Wagoner County District Attorney.

Investigators learned Stevens allegedly began sexually abusing the children around two years ago.

"Sometimes these predators are good at hiding what their intentions are and they'll portray themselves as a mentor to your child," said Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliot.

Deputies also said Stevens had coached both basketball and football youth teams.

It is quite possible there may be more victims. Please contact the Wagoner County Sheriff's Office with any information for my Investigators to follow up if this is the case. Parents talk to your children. These are hard conversations, but necessary conversations as we attempt to protect the most vulnerable.
Wagoner County Sheriff Chris Elliott

Deputies arrested Stevens on Aug. 3. He is being charged with four counts of lewd molestation of a minor under the age of 16 and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

District Attorney Jack Thorp said while it’s a tough conversation to have with your kids, it’s important to let them know someone they trust could try to take advantage of them. He encourages open communication.

“Let them know that it’s okay to report this type of thing to them," Thorp said. "That it’s not anything to be embarrassed about, but to come forward so that law enforcement can do their job and hopefully make their lives and the community safer.”

WYFA released a statement regarding Stevens arrest saying:

"WYFA does not condone or support the alleged actions of Mr. Stevens. We want all of the kids who come through our organization to be safe and protected. Anyone who coaches through WYFA must complete a background check and are only permitted to coach after that background comes back clean.
We are working on sending letters to inform parents of any players Mr. Stevens had coached or helped coach. We send out our deepest condolences and prayers to all parents and children involved. We are working with the local sheriff's department in all aspects."
WYFA

As this case continues in court, Thorp said the new McGirt v Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling could change it. He said if either Stevens or any of the minors are members of a federally recognized tribe, the case could move from Wagoner County.

“At this time this case is filed in the Wagoner County District Court as a state case," Thorp said. "But if information comes further to light, then we’ll have to take appropriate actions and possibly transfer the case to a different court.”

Thorp said Stevens' next court date is Aug. 11.

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