News Summary

Michael Joseph Pusateri, a 59-year-old softball coach in Baltimore County, has been arrested on multiple serious charges involving a minor, including second-degree rape and soliciting child pornography. Community concerns are mounting regarding the safety of local youth sports programs. Pusateri has been removed from all coaching positions and is currently held without bail as investigations continue. Local authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.

Baltimore County: Softball Coach Arrested on Serious Charges

In a shocking turn of events, Baltimore County is facing a troublesome case as community softball coach Michael Joseph Pusateri, aged 59, has been arrested and charged with several serious offenses involving a minor. The charges include second-degree rape, assault, sex abuse of a minor, and soliciting child pornography. This alarming news has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised concerns about the safety of youth sports programs.

Background on the Coach

Pusateri wasn’t just any coach; he played a significant role in the lives of young athletes in the Baltimore community. He served as a softball coach for the Parkville Recreation Council and also volunteered as an assistant coach at Kenwood High School. With prior coaching experience in the Middle River area and the Overlea-Fullerton region, he was someone many families regarded as a trusted mentor. However, that trust has been shattered as details of the investigation have come to light.

Allegations and Investigation Details

The investigation into Pusateri’s alleged crimes began when disturbing allegations were reported on July 28, 2025. According to the claims, the inappropriate interactions and sexual abuse reportedly occurred in July, during a meeting at Eastern Regional Park in Middle River. The victim, a minor, expressed feelings of fear and discomfort during these interactions, especially due to Pusateri’s reminders of his authority as both a coach and a supervisor at her parents’ workplace.

Concerning Interactions

The allegations detail a troubling shift in the relationship between coach and player, which reportedly became sexual around March 2025. Pusateri is accused of sending inappropriate images to the victim from his work phone—a staggering 37 images of his genitals spanning over six weeks. Additionally, there were claims of excessive texting from him, even after the victim attempted to cease communication.

Most concerning are allegations of an abusive encounter that included physical harm, like Pusateri allegedly biting the victim’s neck during one of their meetings. The mother of the victim noted that she had known Pusateri for about five years, stating that he had actively recruited her daughter for his team and even offered jobs to her entire family.

Immediate Community Response

Since the allegations have surfaced, Pusateri has been removed from all volunteer coaching positions, a move that many in the community view as absolutely necessary. He is currently detained without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center, awaiting a preliminary hearing scheduled for October 3, 2025.

Reactions and Steps Taken

The Baltimore County Recreation and Parks department has issued a statement confirming that Pusateri passed a background check as recently as February 2025. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to ensuring participant safety, especially for minors. Any allegations of abuse or assault lead to immediate disqualification from all volunteer activities within their programs.

Call for Information

Authorities have voiced concerns that there may be additional victims and are actively encouraging anyone with relevant information to step forward. The Baltimore County Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit has made their contact number available, inviting community members to report any pertinent details.

As this unsettling story develops, residents are reminded of the importance of vigilance and communication in safeguarding our youth. These allegations are serious and have ramifications that rippled through the fabric of community trust. Let’s hope for justice as the legal process unfolds.

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