Little League coach charged

Friday, April 30, 1999 | 11:16 a.m.

A 40-year-old Little League coach accused of sexual misconduct with at least four boys under the age of 14 was expected to make an initial appearance today in Clark County District Court.

Metro Police arrested Garen Pearson Thursday after one of the victims reported him to authorities on Wednesday, Lt. Tom Monahan said today.

Monahan, head of the Crimes Against Youth and Family unit, said Pearson is believed to have been a Little League coach for at least 10 years.

Monahan said there may be other victims.

"Nothing in our investigation causes us to believe there are others at this time. However, we know sex offenders of this type are very prolific. So we look for additional victims," Monahan said.

Pearson was booked into the Clark County Detention Center on 20 counts of sexual assault with a victim under the age of 14 and 20 counts of lewdness with a minor under the age of 14.

Monahan said Pearson, who is not a convicted sex offender, is believed to have assaulted the four boys over a period of a year.

Monahan said there is no connection between Pearson's alleged offenses and Little League.

"We don't want people to be afraid to play Little League baseball," Monahan said. "This could have happened in any organization."

Monahan said the idea of a stranger being the typical sex offender is fiction.

"More often, they are friends or family members, people you trust," Monahan said.

Monahan said Pearson is single.