Coach Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Student in Prince William County

Prince William County high school coach accused of sexually assaulting player.

Demetrius Montrell Felder, 47, of Woodbridge, was arrested on Wednesday.

Felder works as head coach of the girls' basketball team at Gar-Field High School.

He also works as an assistant teacher at Beville Middle School.

Police say Felder picked up the victim, a 15-year-old girl, from her home in June.

He then drove her to an undisclosed location where he assaulted her.

After the assault, he drove her home, according to a news release from Prince William County police.

There was a second incident where Felder inappropriately touched the victim while giving her a ride home.

Police said none of the attacks happened on school grounds.

Felder faces five counts of indecent liberties by a custodian.

He is being held without bond.

Indecent liberties by a custodian is a felony in Virginia.

It applies when a person in a position of authority over a minor — such as a teacher, coach, or babysitter — engages in sexual conduct with that minor.

The charge carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison per count.

Gar-Field High School sent a letter home to parents about the arrest.

The letter was signed by the school's principal.

It read: "Dear Gar-Field High School Parents and Guardians, The Prince William County Police Department will announce today the arrest of Demetrius Felder, girls' basketball coach at Gar-Field High School, on five counts of taking indecent liberties with child by person in custodial or supervisory relationship, for incidents that occurred off campus."

The letter continued: "The victim is a student at Gar-Field High School. The student’s parents have been notified."

It added: "Mr. Felder is on administrative leave during the investigation. Please note that this is a personnel matter that will follow due process, and by law, I cannot provide further details."

The principal wrote: "I am deeply troubled to learn of this allegation. Our staff work hard every day to support our students and families, and I remain incredibly proud of the caring and dedicated community we have at Gar-Field."

He added: "When our administrative team first learned about this allegation, we took immediate action to follow established protocols and procedures."

The letter concluded: "Please know that we take matters involving students and staff safety seriously and remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for our Gar-Field community."

The school announced that Kenny Miller, current assistant director of student activities, has been appointed interim head coach to lead the program for the upcoming season.

The arrest follows a police investigation that began after the victim reported the incidents.

Prince William County police are asking anyone with additional information to contact them.