MANSFIELD, Texas — A Mansfield High School softball coach was released on bail Friday after he was arrested on charges of solicitation of a minor.
Thursday, authorities arrested 35-year-old Jay Harvill on a charge of online solicitation of a minor. According to the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, the 14-year-old girl Harvill thought he was communicating with was actually an undercover police officer.
Teachers at the school have been told not to discuss the case with students. The Mansfield Independent School District has clearly known about the case for some time as the coach started the school year on paid administrative leave.
As he walked out of jail Friday hand-in-hand with his wife, Harvill did not answer any questions regarding the case.
Harvill has been employed at the high school for nine years, coaching both girls and boys softball.
"I'm sick to my stomach," said Jennifer Luff, a mother of a Mansfield High student. "I'm outraged, angry."
In a report in the Mansfield News-Mirror, Harvill allegedly sent a text to friends that read:
"I have never touched or made a pass at a kid...Nothing said online was with the intent of solicitation - I am sure it will be blown out of proportion by the media but that is their job... This has been the most awful experience of my life."
If convicted, Harvill faces up to 10 years in prison.
