FBI Launches Manhunt for Accused Youth Volleyball Coach

Edgar Lazaro Castillo allegedly used coaching positions to sexually abuse teenagers across New York City area

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:38pm

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The FBI has launched an international manhunt for a youth volleyball coach named Edgar Lazaro Castillo, who the agency says used a series of jobs at various organizations across the New York City area to engage in sexual conduct with teenagers. Castillo has coached at youth clubs, schools and colleges since around 2010, and was recently suspended from an assistant coaching position at John Jay College for Criminal Justice in Manhattan after the school was informed of an investigation into him. The FBI believes Castillo primarily targeted minors who participated in volleyball leagues between 2010 and 2026 in multiple states, primarily New York City.

Why it matters

This case highlights the vulnerability of young athletes to predatory coaches who use their positions of trust and authority to sexually abuse minors. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability in youth sports organizations, and the need for stronger safeguards to protect children from such abuse.

The details

According to the FBI, the investigation was initiated after a teenage player from the Impact Volleyball Club reported that Castillo had assaulted him in a hotel room during a tournament in Boston in March. Investigators believe Castillo could have had multiple victims, and that he fled the country after families of players received a letter from law enforcement officials alerting them to the inquiry. Castillo has coached hundreds of children and adults over the last decade and a half, traveling the country with teams and elite youth clubs.

  • In March 2026, a teenage player from the Impact Volleyball Club reported that Castillo had assaulted him in a hotel room during a tournament in Boston.
  • Last month, Castillo was suspended from an assistant coaching position at the John Jay College for Criminal Justice in Manhattan after the school was informed of the investigation.

The players

Edgar Lazaro Castillo

A 36-year-old youth volleyball coach who the FBI says used a series of coaching jobs at various organizations across the New York City area to engage in sexual conduct with teenagers.

Impact Volleyball Club

An elite travel volleyball team that Castillo coached, where one of the teenage players reported that Castillo had assaulted him.

John Jay College for Criminal Justice

A college in Manhattan where Castillo was an assistant coach before being suspended last month after the school was informed of the investigation.

Legacy Volleyball Club

A club that hired Castillo as a coach in 2012, but fired him in 2014 due to inappropriate behavior, including repeatedly contacting minor players via text and social media without parental consent.

Garden Empire Volleyball Association (GEVA)

The regional volleyball association that the Legacy Volleyball Club owner reported Castillo's inappropriate behavior to, but was told nothing could be done since no players came forward.

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What they’re saying

“I'm happy that he finally got caught, but also upset that others may have been hurt before something could be done.”

— Joel Sanchez, Owner, Legacy Volleyball Club

What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn is investigating Castillo along with the FBI, and it is unclear if he has been charged with a crime. The FBI has posted a message on social media asking anyone with information about Castillo to fill out a questionnaire for potential victims.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards and oversight in youth sports to protect young athletes from predatory coaches who abuse their positions of trust. It also underscores the challenges in holding such offenders accountable, and the importance of encouraging victims to come forward.