CLERMONT, Fla. — A longtime Central Florida cheerleading coach is accused of molesting several children and teenagers, the Clermont Police Department said.
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Officers said Vigiland D’Haiti, 39, was arrested at his home in Winter Garden on Sunday. He had a warrant out of Lake County.
D’Haiti is facing several charges of lewd and lascivious molestation of victims ages 12 to 15 years old, police said.
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He is the owner and operator of Rush All Stars in Clermont, according to investigators.
There are at least three victims who have come forward dating back to 2013, until as recently as 2021. Police first got information in January alleging he had inappropriate contact with the children at the gym.
“It’s been an ongoing investigation over the last four months,” said Clermont Police Sgt. Erin Razo. “The detectives have worked very diligently on this.
D’Haiti has coached at several other gyms, including at high schools in the Central Florida area. He was with Lake County Schools a couple of times, most recently at East Ridge High School from 2016 to 2019. He’s also been with Orange County Public Schools, Cypress Creek High School and Dr. Phillips High School since 2005.
He was placed on leave in January and is under investigation by the district’s Office of Professional Standards.
The police department is urging any other victims to come forward.
D’Haiti has been released on a $30,000 bond.
Police said a national cheer organization that the gym is affiliated with has suspended D’Haiti from coaching, and sent letters to parents of cheerleaders to let them know about the allegations.
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