Cops: Mansfield Coach Solicited Minor Online

MANSFIELD, Texas - A volleyball and softball coach at Mansfield High School was arrested for allegedly using the Internet to prey on children.

According to state investigators, 35-year-old Jay T. Harvill of Mansfield was involved in a sexually graphic chat online with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl. But that girl was actually an undercover police officer with the Texas Attorney General’s Cyber Crimes Unit.

’Dangerous predators are using Internet chat rooms, personal Web pages and social networking sites to exploit young Texans,’ said Attorney General Abbott. ’Today’s arrest is particularly troubling because it involves a high school teacher who is charged with using the Internet to prey on children. Texas parents must monitor their children’s online communications and work vigilantly to keep them safe online.’

Harvill now faces felony charges for the online solicitation of a minor. If convicted he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

He posted his $50,000 bond is out of jail.

Harvill has been a teacher and coach at Mansfield High School for nine years. As a result of the investigation, the district placed him on paid administrative leave.