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Tempe softball coach accused of sex with player

Posted at 12:24 PM, Feb 10, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-10 20:17:45-05

A Tempe softball coach is accused of having sex with one of his 14-year-old players.

Court documents detail the relationship that police believe 25-year-old William Ruiz had with one of his players.

Tempe police say the relationship began after the victim contacted Ruiz over Snapchat. The conversation started out very innocent--talking about family and the softball games--but then evolved.

Police described in their report that the conversations became "flirty" after the victim mentioned she was glad to have "eye candy" to look at during practice. 

Instead of cutting off the conversation, Ruiz allegedly complimented the player on her appearance.

The teenager then asked the coach if their relationship could become physical. Despite knowing she was underage, Ruiz agreed, said police.

According to the police report, on Jan. 22 Ruiz picked up the girl from Chandler Mall where she was hanging out with friends and took her to his home where the two had sex.

The girl told her sister about the relationship, who then contacted police.

Police conducted a confrontation call and had the sister contact Ruiz on a recorded call where he reportedly admitted to having sex with the teenager knowing she was 14.

He is now being held without bond on four counts of sexual conduct with a minor.