Minnesota's Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson is weighing in over the conviction of a Maple Grove High School Volleyball coach who was reportedly sexually abusing student athletes.
33-year old Dorian Barrs was convicted on child pornography charges and has been sentenced to 33 years in prison for victimizing his students. Some of those students were as young as 14.
Thompson says Barrs used a complex scheme to commit his crimes.
"It's a terrible case. He used social media to essentially catfish some of his athletes, pretending to be another girl on the team and grooming them," Thompson describes. "And ultimately convincing them to producing child pornography."
To date, authorities have identified at least 19 minor victims in connection with his crimes.
Prosecutors also say Barrs performed sexual acts with at least five of the minor victims.
“The 33-year prison sentence in this case serves as a stern warning to those who prey upon and sexually exploit children for their own gratification,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. “Dorian Barrs, a youth volleyball coach, egregiously abused his position of trust for over a decade, coercing vulnerable young girls into sexual activities. The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children within our communities. We take great pride in our collaborative efforts with local authorities throughout this investigation.”