A former college basketball coach from California is facing a series of grave criminal charges after police uncovered evidence suggesting he was operating as a pimp across multiple states while in possession of hundreds of indecent images depicting young children.
Shocking Allegations Emerge from Whistleblower Email
According to an ESPN report, the investigation into Kevin Mays began in August 2025 when former men's basketball coach Rod Barnes received a disturbing email titled 'IMPORTANT MESSAGE 911 911.' The email contained explosive accusations, alleging that Mays had been trafficking a woman since May of that year. The whistleblower explicitly stated, 'HE IS TRAFFICKING A GIRL BY THE NAME OF [redacted],' and warned, 'FIX IT OR THE WHOLE STAFF WILL FALL.' This communication was promptly reported to law enforcement, triggering a formal investigation.
Multi-State Operation and Serious Charges
Police allege that Mays was operating his illicit activities in four states: California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, specifically Las Vegas. Following their probe, authorities arrested Mays and subsequently charged him with eleven criminal and misdemeanor counts. The charges include a felony count of pimping, possession of automatic firearms, and possession of methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to sell.
Most disturbingly, Mays is also accused of possessing more than 600 images of youth or child pornography, alongside the distribution of obscene material involving individuals under the age of eighteen. During searches of his vehicle and apartment, police reportedly discovered automatic rifles and a substantial quantity of drugs. A forensic examination of his mobile phone revealed close to 600 images of child pornography, including content featuring children as young as four years old.
Background and Denial of Allegations
Kevin Mays, a 6-foot-4 native of New York, played as a forward for California State University, Bakersfield between 2014 and 2016, after beginning his collegiate basketball career at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He later joined the CSU Bakersfield athletic department as a player-development coordinator before securing a temporary assistant coaching position with the Roadrunners. The university confirmed in September 2025 that he was no longer an employee, with a spokesperson describing the accusations as 'deeply concerning.'
Despite the mounting evidence, Mays denies all allegations. He is currently being held without bail and has publicly denied any involvement in prostitution. A preliminary hearing for his case is scheduled for the coming week, as police continue their investigations to determine if additional charges may be warranted.
Further Details from the Investigation
ESPN's reporting provides further insight into the case. The whistleblower claimed to know Mays through sex work. In a subsequent email cited by the network, Mays allegedly identified himself as a professional gambler and threatened to take away the whistleblower's child if they exposed him. It is also alleged that Mays used his university account to rent a vehicle for a sex worker.
Furthermore, a police sting operation, which involved scheduling an appointment with the woman, took place in a hotel room that had reportedly been booked by Mays. The woman involved told police that Mays was her 'boyfriend' and that he regularly financed flights, hotels, and cars for her sex work. However, investigators claim to have found text message evidence indicating Mays exercised 'involvement and control' over her activities, contradicting his claims of innocence.
