Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
A federal grand jury has indicted Chason Pointer, a 42-year-old youth soccer coach from Grand Blanc, Michigan, on charges of transporting a minor for criminal sexual activity and coercion and enticement of a minor, according to an April 23 announcement by Jerome F. Gorgon Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of children in online spaces and in community activities such as youth sports. Authorities say that individuals who prey on minors often use positions of trust or digital communication to target victims.
Court records indicate that Pointer contacted a minor online before traveling across state lines at night to take the child from northern Ohio to a hotel in Michigan where the alleged abuse occurred. Investigators also found evidence that Pointer had previously traveled to Ohio for similar purposes and discussed these actions with the child through social media messaging platforms.
Pointer pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. On April 10, a federal magistrate judge in Flint ordered him detained pending trial after finding no bond conditions could ensure community safety. The judge continued this detention during subsequent proceedings.
"Creeps lurk online and prey on our children. They want to hurt them just as this man allegedly did. And we are in a race to stop these monsters," said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr.
Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, said: "Those who exploit children and transport them across state lines should know we will find them and ensure they are held accountable for their actions." She added: "The acts described in this indictment are disturbing. The child in this case was specifically targeted, posing a danger to the minor and to our communities across both states... FBI Detroit will continue to use every resource available to identify and stop those who prey on children."
Authorities urge anyone with information related to this investigation or knowledge about other potential victims connected with Pointer's role as a youth soccer coach in Holly, Michigan, to contact the Detroit FBI Field Office at 313-965-2323 or email tips.fbi.gov.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Flint office led the investigation with assistance from local police departments; Assistant United States Attorney Grant Newman is prosecuting the case. Officials remind that an indictment is only an accusation—the defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
