Prosecutors Accuse Coach for Boston Broncos of Child Enticement

A coach with Boston Broncos youth baseball has been accused of enticement of young players, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office.

Jose Ortega, of Roslindale, is a coach with the youth baseball program, according to Jake Wark of the District Attorney's office. Boston Bronco players can often be seen practicing and playing at the field or the field behind the .

Ortega is not charged with touching any of the players, Wark said in an email.

"Boston Police detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit arrested Ortega last night amid an ongoing investigation into allegations of improper communication with multiple young players," Wark wrote Monday morning.

Further details emerged from the Suffolk County District Attorney later on Monday: That Ortega is alleged to have recruited a young man under 16 to play on the Broncos, then began "grooming" him in inappropriate ways. Prosecutors claim Ortega contacted the boy in person, via Facebook and over the phone, urging him to "enter his van for sexual activity" and shower at his house. Ortega also allegedly asked for "sexualized photos" of the boy.

Ortega's attorney said the coach looks forward to telling his side of the story.

"He insists that the facts in this case are not as you heard today," defense lawyer Bill Lane said, according to WHDH.

Prosecutors say a relative discovered explicit messages on the boy's Facebook account. In a press statement, District Attorney Dan Conley offered this advice to parents:

"Make it clear that your kids can come to you with their problems and fears, and make sure they know that no one who really cares for them would want them to keep a secret from you," Conley said. "It's critically important for children to know that they won’t get in trouble for telling parents about something that makes them uncomfortable. And remember, no matter how bright, mature, or responsible they might be for their age, they’re still kids. It’s up to you to use your authority appropriately and keep an eye on their activity online."

Ortega was arraigned Monday in (which is actually in JP near the Forest Hills T.) He is being held on $50,000 bail, according to Wark. He pleaded not guilty.

Filings on behalf of Boston Broncos Base Ball listed Ortega as the contact person. However, the organization had its tax-exempt status removed in 2007 for failure to file tax reports for three years in a row, according to Guidestar.org.

Prosecutors said Monday's charges might not be all, as other similar allegations are surfacing.

[Editor's note: This item has been updated with new information and a photo.]