Former Montverde Academy swim coach and guidance counselor Trey Taunton was arrested earlier this month as part of a large-scale sex sting conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Central Florida.
According to WFTV news, Taunton, 40, sent explicit social media messages to an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old boy. According to deputies, he detailed sexual activities that he wished to perform in the messages, and also told the undercover detective he was 35 not 40. Taunton was arrested without incident after showing up at a prearranged meeting place.
Taunton told detectives that he works as a psychologist with Family Life Counseling, specializing in young adults, after being detained. He worked as a swim coach and guidance counselor at Lake County’s Montverde Academy before taking his current job.
Montverde Academy confirmed Taunton’s past employment and said he had not worked at the school since May 2024.
Montverde Academy released the following statement:
Mr. Taunton was employed by the Academy in the past, after having worked at several other local schools. During his time at MVA we received no allegations of improper conduct, and he was employed only after passing a level 2 background check as we require of all employees and coaches. He has not been employed at the Academy since May 2024.
In a report from MyFloridaCFO: Taunton was booked into the Polk County Jail and faces multiple charges, including:
- Traveling to meet a minor (second-degree felony)
- Use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony (third-degree felony)
- Use of a computer to seduce a child (third-degree felony)
- Attempted lewd or lascivious conduct by a person over 18 (second-degree felony)
- Misrepresenting age (second-degree felony)
Deputies noted that Taunton is married with two children. He has pleaded not guilty in court.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said Taunton was among 246 people arrested during the operation targeting sex crimes in Central Florida.
I wonder if he will be on Takedown with Chris Hansen…
Does everyone else shudder when they see the black and white pics that headline an article?
This was a sting operation, but it’s horrific that this kind of predatory behavior actually happens with true victims.
It’s hard to believe that there are predators who still respond to this kind of thing even with the past popularity and widespread attention brought by the Chris Hansen shows and copycats. In fact it’s terrible what predators do to feed their inner monster.
Is every swim coach a pervert or something?
Obviously not but predators are drawn to positions that give them access to potential victims. You also hear only about the ones that are caught not about the many others who do nothing wrong so it can seem that way.
That’s a harmful and inaccurate stereotype. The overwhelming majority of swim coaches are highly professional, deeply committed to athlete development, and go through rigorous training and background checks to ensure safe environments. Painting an entire profession with that kind of label undermines the hard work and integrity of those who dedicate their lives to coaching