If you are faced with criminal accusations, it is extremely imperative that you have a good grasp of your rights. Furthermore, you want to ensure that you know what to expect as you confront the complexities of the criminal justice system. In recent news, a local soccer coach will face serious sex crime allegations. If convicted, he will have major sentencing consequences.

According to reports, a soccer coach from F.C. Portland Academy soccer club has been accused of sexually abusing a teenage girl. Last week, the man was arrested for criminal charges, including second-degree sex abuse, third-degree rape and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Authorities say the alleged victim was formerly coached by the suspect.

A sheriff's office explains that a report was received from the girl last weekend. The girl claimed that she had sexual contact with her soccer coach over the past two years. Investigators determined that the crimes stemmed from Washington and Clackamas counties.

The soccer coach has been a part of the club for approximately two years. He was currently coaching three teams. He predominately coached boys. The spokesperson from the club noted that he has never received any complaints about the coach. He added, "That's what's so difficult about this. The players really, truly loved playing for him."

The suspect's fingerprints were scanned in the FBI's fingerprint database, and an Oregon criminal background check was conducted. Court records show that the soccer coach has absolutely no criminal history in Oregon. Furthermore, authorities indicate that they gathered evidence and identified the suspect as the coach. However, they would not say what evidence linked the coach to the crimes.

Remember, criminal suspects are innocent until proven guilty by the prosecution. Therefore, as this Portland man challenges these allegations, he will probably question any accusatory evidence. Furthermore, it will be the prosecution's burden to prove that the evidence is legitimately linked to the man.

Source: The Oregonian, "F.C. Portland coach arraigned on sex abuse charges in Washington County, court records show," Rebecca Woolington, Feb. 13, 2012