V.S. soccer coach charged with allegedly raping teen player

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A Valley Stream soccer coach was arraigned on Feb. 24 and charged with 50 counts for allegedly raping an underage player and endangering the welfare of two other teenagers.

Prosecutors allege that for five months Sean Johnsen, 35, engaged in a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old player on the team he coached beginning in April, 2020 and continuing through August, 2020, and allegedly had sexual encounters with the player more than 20 times in his car and at a hotel in Nassau County.

Authorities say Johnsen, who reportedly coached for the Franklin Square Strikers and was a teacher at Fusion Academy, also allegedly messaged the victim to solicit naked videos and photographs. Police originally arrested him on Oct. 29 in connection to the alleged rape. After an investigation, detectives reportedly discovered that Johnsen had also allegedly propositioned another player and endangered the welfare of a third teenager.

Johnsen faces one count of using a child in a sexual performance, 23 counts of third-degree rape, 23 counts of third-degree engaging in a criminal sex act and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Bail was sat at $300,000 cash, $600,000 bond or $900,000 partially secured bond. If convicted he faced a maximum of 15 years in prison.

“The allegations against this coach are despicable,” District Attorney Madeline Singas said in a statement. “Sports coaches and teachers hold special places of trust for both students and parents. The alleged betrayal of that trust and the violation of these adolescent girls will have life-long impacts. There must be accountability for these acts when proven.”

An attorney for Johnsen could not be immediately reached for comment. He is due back in court on March 1. The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking anyone with additional information related to Johnsen’s alleged behavior to call (516) 561-4276.