Sheriff’s detectives say the man, a lawyer, made a 16-year-old victim remove his clothing in front of him, wear a diaper as punishment, and then removed his diaper and wiped him.

PINELLAS COUNTY – A former high school basketball coach and lawyer was arrested Saturday (Dec. 12) on accusations of child abuse.

Frederick T. Lowe, 56, of 4922 Cambridge Blvd., Apt. 201, Palm Harbor, was arrested and charged with one count of child abuse and three counts of possession of child pornography. Deputies say more charges may be forthcoming.

The name of the victim is being withheld to prevent his being identified, according to state law.

Detectives assigned to the crimes against children unit said they received information from the Pinellas County Schools police on Oct. 20 about a possible child abuse case. Lowe was identified as the alleged wrongdoer. Lowe was a volunteer junior varsity basketball assistant coach at East Lake High School and is a real estate and criminal lawyer. The victim was identified as a 16-year-old boy.

Detectives said that Lowe had mentored and tutored the boy in his Palm Harbor home from about April through about September and that, during that time period, on approximately five occasions,  Lowe disciplined the boy. Deputies said the “discipline” included making the boy wear a diaper, then urinate in the diaper. Investigators said Lowe would change his diaper -“like a baby.” Detectives discovered that Lowe had called the teen a “bad boy” and that he made the teen remove his clothing in front of him and wear the diaper as punishment for being disruptive and disrespectful at school.

Deputies said they also found a text message containing sexual innuendo that Lowe sent to the victim. Detectives said that on several occasions Lowe kissed the boy on the mouth by grabbing his face and told the boy that he loved him.

Detectives said that Lowe has a history of viewing child pornography; and that he had previously propositioned another boy for a sex act.

Deputies arrested Lowe during the early morning hours Saturday (Dec. 12) and charged him with one count of child abuse, and three counts of possession of child pornography. Detectives said they found multiple pornographic images of children engaged in sex acts on Lowe’s home computer.

The investigation is continuing and deputies say more charges might be filed.

Deputies are asking any potential past victims; or  anyone with information that would help investigators in this case to contact Detective William Kenna or Corporal Mike Kolenda of the crimes against children unit at (727) 582-6200; or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477).

For information, go to pcsoweb.com. To see Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri’s press conference about this case, go to youtube.com.

Photo is of Frederick T. Lowe.

Pinellas County Sheriff | Child Abuse | Child Pornography | Frederick Lowe | Basketball Coach | TB Reporter

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