A Michigan youth softball coach has been charged with criminal sexual conduct after he was accused of having inappropriate contact with a minor.
William Steven Kunkel Jr., 47, faces two counts of criminal sexual conduct to the third degree, two counts of criminal sexual conduct to the second degree and one count of child sexual abusive activity. Police said the charges against Kunkel stem from an investigation that goes back over a year.
“Things like this shouldn’t be happening to anyone, especially children” said Michigan State Police Sgt. Andrew Adamczyk.
READ: Large protest held over Eastern Michigan University’s handling of sexual assault reports
Officials said while Kunkel was a coach with Finesse Fastpitch, he allegedly used technology to inappropriately communicate with at least one female athlete. Because of that, state police was able to work directly with the department’s Computer Crimes Unit.
“We brought them in immediately. They are experts at what they do and they are the ones that bring a lot of this electronic information to light,” Adamczyk said.
The Finesse Fastpitch programs director tells said they cut all ties with Kunkel when they heard about the investigation. Kunkel also works as a field representative for the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. According to his LinkedIn page, he’s been appointed to the coach’s pool for USA softball since 2017.
MSP is not releasing what was said between him and the juvenile victim at this time but said it involved the internet. Police are concerned there may be other victims who have yet to come forward.
“One of the other purposes of this press release was to make sure that if we’ve got anybody else that’s been affected by specifically Mr. Kunkel, they please reach out, and anyone with information regarding this please reach out and we will assist in any way we can,” Adamczyk said
Kunkel was given a $50,000 bond. If able to pay, he will have to follow several mandatory conditions.
READ: Airman accused of rape, suspected in 5 other criminal sexual conduct cases in Oakland County