Anne Arundel County Police say Severn Baseball Trainer Charged After ICAC CyberTip Investigation
(Anne Arundel County, Maryland | March 2026) Anne Arundel County Police say a 55-year-old Severn man described as a local baseball trainer has been arrested and charged after an Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation that began with a CyberTip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in August 2025. Police allege the case involved illicit online communication with a juvenile and that images were allegedly exchanged. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Anne Arundel County Police tipline.
What officials say happened
In a March 2, 2026 press release, the Anne Arundel County Police Department (AACOPD) said its Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit received a CyberTip from NCMEC in August 2025. Police said the tip detailed allegations of an adult male engaging a juvenile female in illicit online communication, during which images were allegedly exchanged.
AACOPD identified the suspect as Juan Francisco Palacios-Velazquez, a 55-year-old man from Severn, Maryland, described as a local baseball trainer who used a training facility in Anne Arundel County.
Investigation steps described by police
According to AACOPD, detectives obtained a search warrant and seized “numerous items of evidence” related to the ongoing investigation.
Police also stated that the training facility used by Palacios-Velazquez was notified that he was under investigation regarding child safety.
Charges, arrest, and release status
AACOPD reported that detectives presented the case to the State’s Attorney’s Office. Police said that on February 26, 2026, an application for charges was submitted to the Court Commissioner charging Palacios-Velazquez with:
- Sexual Solicitation of a Minor
- Solicitation of Child Pornography
- Child Pornography – Permitting Sex Subject
Police said Palacios-Velazquez was arrested by the Sheriff’s Department on February 27, 2026. AACOPD reported he was initially held without bond and later released on his own recognizance on March 2, 2026.
Criminal charges are allegations and must be proven in court. Palacios-Velazquez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
What’s known — and what is not
The AACOPD press release does not publicly identify the training facility used by Palacios-Velazquez, and it does not provide additional case details beyond the investigative outline and charging information.
Local media coverage has reported additional details and referenced court records; however, readers should distinguish between what is confirmed in official statements and what may emerge through future court proceedings and verified reporting.
Why this matters for child safety in youth sports
Youth sports can be a powerful protective factor for children—offering mentorship, structure, and community. At the same time, sports environments often involve high levels of trust, frequent contact, private training sessions, and digital communication that can create opportunities for boundary violations if safeguards are weak or inconsistently enforced.
Prevention-focused practices for youth-serving organizations commonly include transparent communication policies, limits on adult-to-youth direct messaging, clear supervision rules, and simple reporting pathways that families and athletes understand.
What parents, caregivers, and sports organizations can do now
- Ask about communication rules. Clarify how coaches/trainers are allowed to contact youth, whether guardians are included, and what platforms are approved.
- Keep reporting pathways visible. Organizations should post clear instructions for raising concerns and ensure families know who receives reports.
- Watch for secrecy and boundary-testing. Requests to keep conversations private, move to hidden channels, or bypass parents/guardians are warning signs.
- Respond calmly to disclosures. If a child shares something concerning, prioritize safety, thank them for telling you, and contact the appropriate authorities promptly.
Reporting Abuse (If you suspect a child is being harmed)
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911. If you suspect abuse, exploitation, or unsafe conduct involving a child, contact local law enforcement and/or your local child welfare agency so trained professionals can assess and respond.
For this specific investigation, Anne Arundel County Police have asked anyone with additional information to contact the AACOPD tipline at 410-222-4700.
If you suspect online child sexual exploitation, you can also make a report to the NCMEC CyberTipline.