A former Collier County basketball coach has been arrested and charged with soliciting a minor. Brandon Stetson, 23, is accused of offering some of his players money in exchange for inappropriate photos of themselves.
Stetson coached basketball at North Collier Regional Park at the time of the alleged incidents.
The Collier County Sheriff's Office received information back in November that Stetson had asked middle-school aged boys he was coaching for naked pictures of themselves, but could find no evidence that a crime occurred.
But on Tuesday, two boys told staff at North Collier Regional Park that Stetson offered them $200 in exchange for pictures of themselves wearing only their compression shorts. One of the teens said Stetson sent him a picture of himself wearing just the tight shorts.
"As parents, unfortunately you have to be eyes and ears and in tune to this," said Evelyn Spahr, a park visitor.
Investigators found more evidence, including a pornographic image on one boy's cell phone along with some text messages.
Before Stetson was arrested on charges of soliciting a child, Collier Parks and Recreation director Barry Williams sent Stetson a letter saying in part, "...I wish to end Collier County Parks and Recreation's arrangement with you as a volunteer coach."
Thursday in court, Judge Rob Crown set Stetson's bond at $200,000. He also ordered Stetson to have no contact with any minors, and no access to cell phones or computers.
