PRICE, Utah (KUTV) — A former golf coach at Carbon High School has been arrested after alleged sexual abuse of a minor.
According to a probable cause statement, 54-year-old Kenneth Kenji Otani began sexually assaulting a minor in 2018, when the minor was receiving golf lessons led by Otani at the Carbon Country Club Golf Course driving range.
Court documents stated Otani continued to assault the minor sexually at least 100 times over the course of approximately four years while under his direction as a coach and private tutor.
The minor reported that throughout the sexual abuse, Otani behaved as if they were "in an ongoing emotional, romantic and sexual relationship." The minor informed an adult of the abuse in 2022, when it was reported to the Carbon County Sheriff's Office.
Through their investigation, officials found 16,763 texts exchanged between Otani and the victim.
Otani was reportedly a golf coach at Carbon High School until 2020.
He was booked on May 26 and faces charges for two first degree felonies and one second degree felony.
If you or someone you know is a survivor of rape or sexual assault, resources are available to help. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
The Utah-based Rape Recovery Center can be reached at 801-467-7273. A list of other rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence resources can be found online here.
If you suspect child abuse is occurring, you can report it to state officials at 855-323-3237.
