Coach of Utah women’s football team charged with sexually assaulting player

DRAPER — A former coach for a women’s football team in Utah has been charged with raping a woman on the team.

Demetrius Victor Lynch, 42, of Draper, was charged Friday in 3rd District Court with rape, a first-degree felony.

Lynch was an assistant coach and board member for the Utah Falconz, a nonprofit organization focused on developing women through tackle football.

“Our entire organization, including our coaches, is composed of volunteers, and our athletes contribute financially to participate in the team,” according to a statement released Tuesday by board president Lacy Mile.

“We first became aware of the allegation in January directly from the former assistant coach, who was also a board member. Upon learning of this situation, we immediately contacted everyone involved and learned that the incident had already been reported to the police,” Mile said. “Following this discovery, we immediately relieved the coach of his volunteer duties, removed him from our board, and promptly informed league officials. The coach has had no affiliation with the team since the initial report. While we were aware of the police investigation, we were only informed of the criminal charges (Tuesday).”

In January, Draper police took a report from a woman who “described Demetrius Lynch, her football coach, raping her and sexually assaulting her after a housewarming party,” according to court documents. Police say the incident happened on Jan. 13 after the other party guests had left Lynch’s home.

In her statement, Mile said the organization is “devastated” by the allegations.

“There is an ongoing investigation, and criminal charges have now been filed. To our knowledge, everyone affiliated with our organization has cooperated fully with the police investigation,” she said. “I want to make it clear that we stand strongly with the women of the Utah Falconz and will continue to take action that we believe prioritizes their health and safety.”