Crime

Former Decatur coach’s license suspended after child sexual abuse charges

A set of handcuffs is pictured.
The license of a former Decatur High School coach and athletic trainer, who was arrested on child sexual abuse charges, has been suspended, Texas officials said on Thursday. USA TODAY NETWORK

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has issued an emergency license suspension order against a former Decatur High School coach and athletic trainer who was arrested on child sexual abuse charges.

Fernando Escobar was arrested in Wise County on a charge of indecency with a child by sexual contact on Aug. 21. He was then was arrested in Decatur on Sept. 5 on a charge of sexual assault of a child, according to a news release.

“Escobar’s license will remain suspended until the resolution of his criminal cases or until either a court orders that his athletic trainer license be reinstated or until TDLR authorizes lifting the suspension,” according to the statement from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Escobar was employed by Decatur ISD from 2009 to 2020 as a part-time athletic trainer, and from 2013 to 2020 as a part-time golf coach, a district spokesperson previously told the Star-Telegram.


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The alleged incident happened on April 24, according to court records.

The mother of a 15-year-old girl told investigators that her daughter had been sexually assaulted by Escobar at Sports Rehab and Physical Therapy during a physical therapy session, according to the incident report provided by the Wise County Sheriff’s Office.

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Shambhavi Rimal
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Shambhavi covers crime, law enforcement and other breaking news in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. She graduated from the University of North Texas and previously covered a variety of general assignment topics in West Texas. She grew up in Nepal.
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