More charges after soccer academy owner accused of sexually assaulting players

MONROE, N.C. — A Monroe soccer academy owner accused of sexually assaulting players is facing more charges.

Monroe police re-arrested Jorge Armando Palma Thursday on four new charges after police said more victims have come forward saying he took advantage of them.

The new charges were first-degree statutory sex offense with a child less than 15 years old, two counts of sexual battery, and indecent liberties with child. He posted his $75,000 bond.

Channel 9 first reported last month that Palma owns the Union Soccer Academy in Monroe. He coached 13 to 15 year old girls.

Police first arrested him on allegations he sexually assaulted two teenage players. He was given a $100,000 bond on those charges, which he posted.

“They all trusted him,” Monroe Police Capt. Steve Morton said. “Anything he would ask to do, they thought it was OK at the time.”

Investigators say all of the assaults happened at the indoor academy off Nelda Drive.

“We have cases going back to 2021, but we think it was going on even longer than that, so this investigation is ongoing,” Morton said.

In October, Palma told Channel 9 this was a misunderstanding. On Tuesday, Channel 9′s Genevieve Curtis went with our partners at Telemundo Charlotte to speak with him at his home. Palma closed the garage door, shut the blinds and did not answer the door.

Investigators say there could be more victims. They encourage any parent whose child went to the Union Soccer Academy to talk to their kids.

“They need to definitely sit down with them and talk to them, let them know it’s OK to come forward and let them know what’s gong on,” Morton said. “And then reach out to us and we can speak to the parents and child at the same time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Monroe Police Department at 704-282-4700.

(WATCH BELOW: Man accused of forcing himself through door, sexually assaults woman in University City)

Man accused of forcing himself through door, sexually assaults woman in University City

©2023 Cox Media Group