Florida Tennis Coach Arrested on Federal Child Sex Abuse Charges
Background
Daniel James Riggs, a 31-year-old tennis coach from Florida, has been arrested on federal charges of enticement of a minor and production of child pornography. Riggs is the grandson of tennis legend Bobby Riggs, a former No. 1 men’s player in the world and a member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame who died in 1995.
Allegations
The allegations against Riggs surfaced in September when the alleged victim, a teenage girl, came forward. According to court records, the girl met Riggs when she was 15 years old and became her coach in 2020. However, their sexual relationship started in October 2021, an affidavit said.
Investigation
Riggs is accused of engaging in sexual conversations with the minor victim through a social media application, and of sexually abusing her while they traveled internationally and domestically for tennis training and tournaments, including in South Florida. He also allegedly requested sexual photos or videos from the victim through social media.
Cover-up Attempts
Riggs is accused of creating multiple anonymous profiles and advising the minor victim to delete their communications to mask his identity. He also allegedly tried to cover his tracks by creating fake social media profiles and sending explicit messages from these profiles to the victim.
Arrest and Detention
Riggs was arrested on Tuesday and booked into a Broward jail, where he remained on a U.S. Marshals hold as of Wednesday. A board member at the Lauderdale Tennis Club confirmed that the FBI was at the club on Tuesday morning and took Riggs off the tennis courts.
Legal Representation
An attorney for Riggs declined to comment on the arrest.
Conclusion
The arrest of Daniel James Riggs on federal child sex abuse charges is a disturbing reminder of the importance of protecting children from exploitation and abuse. As a tennis coach, Riggs was in a position of trust, and his alleged actions are a betrayal of that trust.
FAQs
Q: What are the charges against Daniel James Riggs?
A: Riggs is charged with enticement of a minor and production of child pornography.
Q: What is the alleged relationship between Riggs and the minor victim?
A: Riggs is accused of becoming the minor victim’s tennis coach in 2020 and then engaging in a sexual relationship with her in 2021.
Q: What is the alleged extent of Riggs’ abuse?
A: Riggs is accused of engaging in sexual conversations with the minor victim through social media, and of sexually abusing her while they traveled internationally and domestically for tennis training and tournaments.
Q: How did Riggs allegedly try to cover his tracks?
A: Riggs is accused of creating multiple anonymous profiles and advising the minor victim to delete their communications to mask his identity.
Q: Is Riggs in custody?
A: Yes, Riggs was arrested on Tuesday and booked into a Broward jail, where he remained on a U.S. Marshals hold as of Wednesday.
