Former Venice High School soccer coach accused of sexually assaulting student

A former soccer coach at Venice High School was arrested on charges of sexual assault of a student-athlete.

The Venice Police Department arrested Edward Delehanty, 31, on a charge of sexual battery by a custodian on a victim under 18 years old. While coach of the junior varsity soccer team during the winter 2021 season, he began a sexual relationship with a member of the team, VPD officials said in a Facebook post. 

Delehanty would pick up the student from home for "one on one personal coaching," when he would instead engage in sexual intercourse with the victim in his truck and at home, VPD officials said in the post. 

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A VPD investigation included audio recordings that supported the victim's allegations. 

Delehanty was a soccer coach during the 2020-2021 winter season, and he's no longer employed as a soccer coach at Venice High School, VPD said in the post. 

Anyone with additional information can contact VPD detective Courtney Zak at 941-486-2444. The reference case number is 22-0533