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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

STERRETT – A former volunteer JV basketball coach for Calera High School has been arrested on 10 counts of possession of obscene material.

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office arrested Dantavius Washington, 29, of Sterrett on Aug. 9 on 10 counts of possession of obscene matter containing visual depictions of persons under 17 years of age involved in obscene acts.

In May 2024, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office criminal investigators received a tip from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force which led to Washington’s arrest. Investigators currently have no information that suggests the images were produced in or near Shelby County.

Possession and possession with intent to disseminate obscene material is considered a class B felony under Alabama Code 13A-12-192.

“I am grateful for the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force in their dedication and help investigating this case,” Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego said in an official release. “The safety and well-being of our community remains a top priority, and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to pursuing justice with the utmost diligence and care. The arrest of Washington marks a crucial step in contributing to this mission.”

Washington previously played on the Chelsea High School basketball team and served as a volunteer JV basketball coach at Calera High School.  Washington was not an employee of Shelby County Schools and no longer serves in capacity as a coach. Upon notice of his arrest, Shelby County Schools removed Washington’s access to Calera High School and any Shelby County Schools. Washington is also the author of the children’s book, “What should I be when I grow up” which was published in December 2022.

Washington was booked into the Shelby County Jail on Aug. 9. Each charge of possession of obscene material carried with it a $30,000 bond for a total bond of $300,000. Since his booking, Washington has posted bond and has been released.