A professor and top coach at Diablo Valley College in California has been indicted for allegedly forcing a student and another woman into prostitution.
Kyle Whitmore, 39, a communication studies instructor and former boys track and field coach, was arrested Thursday after one of his victims reported the case to the Pleasant Hill-based university.
His charges include human trafficking and pimping and sexual assault, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office said Monday.
The school district said it was “devastated by the seriousness of the allegations that have been raised so far.”
“The safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” the school said in a statement.
“We take seriously any allegations of inappropriate behavior by our employees and respect the expectation that our students, staff and visitors need to be safe when they visit our campus.”
Kyle Whitmore, a Diablo Valley College professor, was arrested for allegedly forcing a student and another woman into prostitution. Diablo Valley College
Along with the student who reported him, Whitmore is accused of allegedly trafficking other women. It is unclear if he is associated with the school.
Whitmore is charged with two counts of human trafficking, two counts of pimping, one count of pimping and four counts of sexual assault, the DA’s Office said.
The arrest came as a shock to the local community, where Whitmore was celebrated for leading the Diablo Valley track team to recent successes, including a fourth-place finish at the state championships.
Last year, Whitmore was named the California Community Track and Cross Country Coaches Association men’s coach of the year. Diablo Valley College
Last year, the California Community College Track and Cross Country Coaches Association even named Whitmore its men’s coach of the year.
Cornell Davis, a student who has known Whitmore for years, said he was shocked to learn of the allegations surrounding the man who always seemed bright and helpful on campus.
“He’s really sociable. If you need someone to talk to, go to him because he’s going to give you some really incredible advice,” he told NBC Bay Area. “I’m still speechless, it hit me hard today.”
Whitmore’s arrest came after one of the women reported him to college officials. Diablo Valley College
Whitmore, who has been with the school since 2014, has been placed on administrative leave, with his page on the college’s website now blank.
He made his first appearance in court Tuesday, when the judge adjourned his trial until Sept. 19.
He remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility, where he is being held without bail.
A representative for Whitmore was not immediately available to respond to The Post’s request for comment.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
