Baltimore County softball coach faces federal indictment alleging coercion, enticement, and child sexual abuse material offenses

Federal case targets alleged exploitation of minor tied to youth sports coaching role

A 59-year-old Baltimore County softball coach has been indicted by a federal grand jury on child sexual abuse-related charges, escalating a case that began with a local police investigation and a September 2025 arrest.

The defendant, Michael J. Pusateri of Nottingham, is charged in federal court with coercion and enticement of a minor and with child sexual abuse material (CSAM) offenses, including production and receipt. An indictment is a formal accusation and does not establish guilt.

Allegations span spring and summer 2025

The indictment alleges the conduct involved a minor victim and unfolded between April and August 2025. Prosecutors allege Pusateri sent sexually explicit messages and sought to obtain explicit images. The charging narrative also describes allegations of in-person sexual contact during the same period, including meetings arranged in parking lots of local businesses.

Investigators have described the case as involving grooming behavior, with communications that allegedly evolved from a coach-player relationship into a sexual relationship. Authorities also allege that the defendant used his position of authority to influence the victim, including statements invoking his role as the teen’s coach and as an employer of the teen’s parents.

Prior arrest and investigative findings

Baltimore County police arrested Pusateri on September 9, 2025, after detectives in the department’s Crimes Against Children Unit obtained an arrest warrant. At that time, police publicly stated they believed there could be additional victims and encouraged anyone with information to contact investigators.

Police records described in court reporting say investigators seized a phone and reviewed call and message histories. The investigative timeline referenced multiple in-person meetings and frequent communications between the defendant and the victim over several months in 2025.

Coaching roles and institutional responses

Authorities have linked Pusateri to youth softball programs in Baltimore County, including recreation-league coaching and volunteer involvement connected to school athletics. County recreation officials stated he had passed a background check earlier in 2025 and was later removed from volunteer activities after the allegations surfaced. School system officials said he last volunteered in spring 2025 and is barred from school property.

• Defendant: Michael J. Pusateri, 59, of Nottingham
• Key federal charges: coercion and enticement; CSAM production and receipt
• Alleged timeframe: April–August 2025

The case remains pending in federal court. No trial outcome has been determined.