Office of the State Attorney

PRESS RELEASE

May 10, 2024

 

State of Florida v. Arin Michael Hankerd

                                                                                     

DOB: 05/04/1980

Case Number: 2023 300739 CFDB, 2023 302492 CFDB

 

Former Volusia County Schools Coach Sentenced to Prison for Child Sexual Abuse

DAYTONA BEACH – During a hearing this morning, defendant Arin Hankerd was sentenced to 21 years in prison followed by 30 years of sex offender probation. He will also be designated a sexual predator.

Hankerd pled to several felony charges in two different child sexual abuse cases. They include two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a person 12 or older but younger than 16 Against Student by Authority Figure, Traveling to Meet a Minor Against Student by Authority Figure, Lewd and Lascivious Exhibition via Computer Against Student by Authority Figure, Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor Against Student by Authority Figure and two counts of Offense Against Student by Authority Figure.

The crimes related to the first case were committed by the defendant while he was a football coach and teacher at Atlantic High School in 2023.

After his arrest, an additional victim came forward and a second case was filed against the defendant. Hankerd committed those crimes while he was a football coach and a teacher at Mainland High School in 2019.

“Coaches have significant sway over the athletes and students they serve,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said about the case. “The defendant chose to use his influence to sexually exploit and manipulate our victims. His betrayal of their trust and vulnerability makes him a predator of epic proportions.”

The cases were investigated by the Port Orange and Ormond Beach Police Departments. Assistant State Attorney Ashley Terwilleger successfully prosecuted the cases for the state. The Honorable Karen Foxman presided over the cases and pronounced sentence.

 

For more information contact: 

Haley Harrison | Multimedia Specialist/PIO | Office of State Attorney R.J. Larizza, Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit | SAOPIO@SAO7.org