Ex-Roadrunners Staffer Charged with Pimping, Guns, and Child Porn

Authorities say Kevin Mays, a former player-turned-coach, ran a multi-state sex trafficking operation while employed by the university.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A former player-turned-assistant coach for the California State University, Bakersfield men's basketball team has been arrested and charged with felony pimping, firearms possession, and child pornography offenses after an anonymous tip led to a police investigation. Authorities say Kevin Mays was running a sex trafficking operation across multiple states while employed by the university.

Why it matters

The scandal has sent shockwaves through the university's athletic department, leading to the departures of the head coach and athletic director, though the school has not confirmed if the moves were directly connected. The case has raised broader concerns about oversight and vetting processes for athletic department hires at the university.

The details

According to reports, the investigation began after the then-head coach received an anonymous email in August claiming Mays had been 'trafficking a girl since May' across several states. University police launched a broader probe that led to Mays' arrest. Investigators say they identified a woman advertising sex services in Sacramento and set up a sting operation, where the woman allegedly told police Mays was her boyfriend and that he regularly covered her expenses. Police say a search of Mays' car and apartment uncovered multiple firearms and a large stash of drugs, while a search of his phone reportedly revealed hundreds of images of child pornography.

  • In August, the then-head coach received an anonymous email about Mays' alleged sex trafficking activities.
  • Shortly after the anonymous tip, university police launched an investigation that led to Mays' arrest.

The players

Kevin Mays

A former player for the California State University, Bakersfield Roadrunners men's basketball team who later joined the staff as a temporary assistant coach. He has been charged with felony pimping, firearms possession, and child pornography offenses.

Rod Barnes

The former head coach of the California State University, Bakersfield Roadrunners men's basketball team who received the anonymous tip about Mays' alleged sex trafficking activities.

Kyle Conder

The former athletic director of California State University, Bakersfield who departed his role in the aftermath of the scandal.

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What’s next

Investigators say the case is still active as they continue interviews to determine whether additional victims or charges could emerge.

The takeaway

This scandal has raised serious questions about oversight and vetting processes for athletic department hires at California State University, Bakersfield, as well as the need for stronger safeguards to prevent such egregious misconduct from occurring within college sports programs.