FBI Launches Manhunt for Volleyball Coach Accused of Sex Abuse

Edgar Lazaro Castillo is being investigated for sexual misconduct with teenage players across New York City area

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:26pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, discarded volleyball against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conveying a sense of gritty investigation and the aftermath of a disturbing crime.The harsh, sudden flash of a camera captures the abandoned remnants of a youth sports program tainted by allegations of sexual abuse.NYC Today

The FBI has launched an international manhunt for a youth volleyball coach named Edgar Lazaro Castillo, who is accused of using his positions at various youth clubs, schools, and colleges in the New York City area since 2010 to engage in sexual conduct with teenage players. The investigation was initiated after a player from the NYC Impact Volleyball Club reported that Castillo had assaulted him in a hotel room during a tournament in Boston in March.

Why it matters

The case highlights the vulnerability of young athletes to predatory behavior by trusted coaches, as well as the challenges in monitoring and vetting individuals who work with minors across multiple organizations. It also raises questions about oversight and accountability in youth sports programs.

The details

According to public records and law enforcement officials, the 36-year-old Castillo has coached at youth clubs, schools, and colleges in the New York City area since around 2010. He was recently suspended from an assistant coaching position at John Jay College for Criminal Justice in Manhattan after the school was informed of the FBI investigation. The FBI said Castillo has fled the United States, and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn is investigating him along with the FBI.

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

The players

Edgar Lazaro Castillo

A 36-year-old youth volleyball coach who has worked at various clubs, schools, and colleges in the New York City area since around 2010. He is accused of using these positions to engage in sexual misconduct with teenage players.

NYC Impact Volleyball Club

An elite youth travel volleyball team that Castillo coached, where one of the teenage players reported being assaulted by Castillo in a hotel room during a tournament.

John Jay College for Criminal Justice

A college in Manhattan where Castillo was an assistant coach, until he was suspended last month after the school was informed of the FBI investigation.

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What’s next

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Brooklyn is continuing its investigation into Castillo, and the FBI is working to locate and apprehend him after he fled the country.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for stronger safeguards and oversight in youth sports programs to protect young athletes from predatory behavior by trusted coaches. It also underscores the challenges in monitoring individuals who move between multiple organizations working with minors.