Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Palmdale High School Coach Accused of Lewd Acts With Minor

A Palmdale High School basketball coach was arrested on suspicion of committing lewd acts with a minor, officials said Monday.

Marcus Williams, 38, a girls varsity basketball coach was arrested shortly before 11 p.m. on Thursday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

Parents were shocked, and also concerned about the team.

"I know the girls are devastated," said Kim Johnson, parent of a student at Palmdale High. "I hope it doesn't impact their season. I hope they can continue to do what they have been working so hard at doing."

Sheriff's deputies spotted a suspicious vehicle parked near 45th Street East and East Avenue Q12 and found Williams with an underage girl, believed to be a player on the school's team, LASD said.

Williams was arrested and booked on suspicion of multiple counts of lewd acts with a minor, according to LASD.

"Immediately upon learning from the Palmdale Sheriff's Department we responded to the incident. We are addressing it as a personnel matter in accordance with state law and district policy. We are working with the sheriff's department," the Antelope Valley School District said in a statement.

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He is being held in lieu of $405,000.00 bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

Detectives said they were seeking other possible victims. 

"I've taught them very well not to keep secrets and never to be alone with teachers, male or female," Alycia McGriff, parent of students at the school, said. "I am confident if they had a problem they would come and talk to be about it."

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story contained a video that has been removed.

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