Former CSUB Basketball Coach Arrested on Serious Criminal Charges
A significant scandal has unfolded at California State University Bakersfield following the arrest of a former player and temporary assistant coach from the men's basketball program. Kevin Mays now confronts eleven criminal and misdemeanor charges, including felony pimping, after authorities allege he operated a multi-state pimping ring.
Anonymous Tip Triggers University Investigation
The case began in August when then-head coach Rod Barnes received an anonymous email with the urgent subject line "IMPORTANT MESSAGE 911 911." The message claimed Mays had been "trafficking a girl since May" across several states and warned, "FIX IT OR THE WHOLE STAFF WILL FALL." Barnes promptly forwarded the email to the university's human resources department, which then escalated the matter to campus police, initiating a comprehensive investigation.
Undercover Sting Operation Leads to Arrest
Investigators identified a woman advertising sex services in Sacramento and arranged an undercover sting operation by posing as a client. During the operation, the woman allegedly informed police that Mays was her boyfriend and that he regularly paid for hotel rooms, rental cars, and flights related to her work. Mays was arrested shortly after this encounter.
Authorities conducted searches of his car and apartment, uncovering several firearms and a substantial quantity of drugs. Additionally, a forensic examination of his phone reportedly revealed hundreds of images of child pornography, including photos involving very young children.
University and Athletics Department Repercussions
Mays, who had been hired by the basketball program in June with a monthly salary of approximately $3,000, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in custody without bail. The case has sent shockwaves through the university's athletics department, leading to the departures of both Barnes and athletic director Kyle Conder shortly after the arrest. While the university has not confirmed a direct link between their exits and the investigation, the timing has raised questions.
University officials have described the allegations as "deeply concerning" and announced a broader review of its athletics programs in response to the incident. Authorities emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, with detectives continuing to interview potential witnesses to determine if additional victims or charges may emerge.
