FBI Launches International Manhunt for Youth Volleyball Coach Accused of Sexual Abuse

The FBI has initiated an international manhunt for Edgar Lazaro Castillo, a 36-year-old youth volleyball coach accused of sexual misconduct with teenagers. Federal authorities confirm that Castillo has fled the United States. The investigation centers on allegations of assault involving a teenage player in Boston.

The Details

The current investigation was triggered after a teenage player from the NYC Impact Volleyball Club reported that Castillo assaulted him in a hotel room during a tournament in Boston in March 2026. In response, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn have launched a joint investigation into the coach's conduct.

Castillo, who is also known as Edgar Lazaro, has a long history in the sport, having coached at various youth clubs, schools, and colleges since approximately 2010. His reach extended to elite travel teams, including the NYC Impact Volleyball Club, where he served as a coach for teenage athletes.

Last month, following notification of the investigation, John Jay College of Criminal Justice in Manhattan suspended Castillo from his position as an assistant coach. The college took this action immediately after being informed of the ongoing probe.

On Tuesday, FBI officials conducted a call with the families of teenagers from the NYC Impact Volleyball Club to provide updates on the status of the investigation. Authorities have since released a photograph of Castillo as part of the effort to locate him internationally.

The FBI has also proactively notified high schools, colleges, and volleyball clubs throughout the New York City area that Castillo is under investigation for sexual assault. This measure aims to identify other potential victims or relevant information regarding his tenure at these institutions.

At this time, it remains unclear whether Castillo has been formally charged with a crime. A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's office in Brooklyn declined to comment on the specifics of the case. Attempts by investigators to contact Castillo via phone and email have been unsuccessful.

Context

Edgar Lazaro Castillo operated within the high-stakes environment of elite youth athletics in New York City. The NYC Impact Volleyball Club is recognized as an elite travel team, providing a platform for high-level competition and collegiate recruiting for teenage players.

Castillo's career spanned over 15 years, placing him in positions of trust across multiple educational and athletic levels, from youth clubs to collegiate sports. This extensive history has prompted law enforcement to cast a wide net in their notifications to NYC-area institutions.

The case highlights the vulnerability of youth athletes during travel tournaments, where coaching staff often have significant influence and access to players in non-supervised environments, such as hotel accommodations.

What's Next

The FBI continues to coordinate with international partners to track Castillo's movements after his departure from the U.S. The primary focus remains his apprehension and the determination of his current location.

Authorities are expecting more information to emerge as New York City area schools and clubs review their records and potentially identify additional victims of Castillo's alleged abuse.

Legal proceedings will likely depend on whether the U.S. government can secure an extradition treaty with the country where Castillo is currently hiding, or if he is apprehended during international transit.