Former Southlake water polo coach Adrien Maher has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after a Tarrant County (TX) judge found him guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child.
According to Hoodline.com, prosecutors said the case was based on multiple incidents and involved one of his players, who was 14 at the time.
Maher was fired from the club after the allegations surfaced, and was then arrested in February of 2025.
According to a report from Fox 4 News, at the time of his arrest, Maher was charged with sexual assault of a child, indecency with a child, and solicitation of a minor.
The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office announced the verdict and sentence on its social media.
Maher was arrested after detectives were given a report that detailed abuse during his coaching tenure.
According to Hoodline.com, under Texas law, aggravated sexual assault is a first-degree felony, with possible sentences ranging from five years to life behind bars. In some cases that involve child victims, it can carry a mandatory minimum sentence length.
Throughout the investigations, local media and public officials urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
The case further fueled the complaints to police that calls for a more secure environment in youth sports and better support for reporting suspected abuse of young athletes.
Swam against this guy in North Texas area around a decade ago, talented kid…remember seeing the name on top of heat sheets. It’s crazy how you never know who you’re around or what paths/choices people will take throughout their lives.