Andre Barbins, St. Mary’s (MD) Swim Coach, Arrested on Child Porn Charges

Photo Courtesy: Maryland State Police

Andre Barbins, the head coach at St. Mary’s College of Maryland, was arrested after allegedly confessing to online contact with children according to WQAD8.

According to reports, police seized digitally-stored pornographic images of children when searched on Feb. 12. The investigation into Barbins began back in Oct. 2015 when Barbins was accused of having “indecent communications” with an underage victim via social media.

Barbins, 45, is currently booked into the Calvert County Detention Center and is awaiting his first hearing with the District Court Commissioner.

Knox County Sheriff Release on Andre Barbins:

On October 19, 2015 the Knox County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a sexual exploitation of a child involving a victim in Knox County. Upon investigating the report, indecent communications were discovered through a social media website between the victim and a male subject who was over the age of 18.

After months of diligently investigating the allegations, the Knox County Sheriff’s Investigation Division were able to identify a suspect whom resided in Maryland. The suspect was identified as Andre Rudolph Barbins, 45 years of age, of 213 Pelagic Lane, Solomons, Maryland. With the suspect residing out of State, Knox County Investigator contacted the Maryland State Police, Division of Internet Crimes Against Children, and discussed the Knox County case. The case file was sent of to the Maryland State Police.

On February 12, 2016 the Maryland State Police and agents from the Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant at Barbins residence in Solomons, Maryland. Barbins was located and arrested without incident. As a result of the search warrant, numerous digital media storage devices were seized. These items were found to contain images of child pornography. Barbins confessed to authorities of having contacted the Knox County Illinois juvenile victim as well as several other juveniles committing similar offenses.

Barbins was transported to the Calvert County Detention Center for booking and processing for the offenses of one count of sexual solicitation of a minor and one count of providing obscene material to a minor. Barbins was detained at the time to the Calvert County Detention Center awaiting a hearing by the District Court Commissioner.

This case is an excellent example of cooperation by various law enforcement agencies producing a successful conclusion.

St. Mary’s College Statement on Andre Barbins:

“St. Mary’s College of Maryland learned that Andre Barbins, the College’s head swimming coach, has been arrested. The College is taking all steps necessary to protect the safety of its campus and community, and is cooperating fully with law enforcement. Assistant Coach Hattie Schiavone has assumed coaching duties. As with all personnel matters, the College is unable to provide further comment.”

Full WQAD 8 article.

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7 Comments

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Kellie Woolley

8 years ago

yuk

Chelle Kimmet

8 years ago

So sad

Susan Strickland Scruggs

8 years ago

Makes me sick

Mark Schwartz

8 years ago

IT seems that a week doesn’t go by without some kind of revelation of this kind. Were I a swim parent, it would totally freak me out.

Audrey

8 years ago

Reply to Mark Schwartz

I am a swim parent whose kids swim at that pool 3+ times a year. A year or so ago, it was the whole VA deal where I was looking at a master’s program, and they changed their name away from the accused once famous Olympic coach, and also around then, in Richmond where my nephews live and also swim. I guess I was thinking being Catholic, having a boy scout and swimmers, maybe one just can’t get away from it with those activities, BUT the more I thought about it, I just realized it’s EVERYWHERE.

Diane Weber

8 years ago

As always parents, please know the people you entrust our children with. Our children are too precious. Always keep your eyes open and teach your children to trust their instincts. Read “The Gift of Fear.”

Amie Krueger

8 years ago

??? slam that cell door and throw away the key!