The former coach of a south Alabama tennis program for underprivileged children and teens has been convicted on a child sex charge.
A federal jury in Dothan convicted 40-year-old Leroy Thomas Joyner Jr., of Columbus, Ga., on one count of unlawfully transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sexual activity, Middle District of Alabama Acting U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Ross announced Thursday.
Joyner was a tennis coach operating the association in Dale County. Authorities did not release the name of the tennis association.
In September of 2018, authorities said, reports of physical abuse were made to law enforcement alleging that Joyner had used a wooden paddle on some of his students.
“Law enforcement began to investigate these reports and found much more than physical abuse,’’ Ross said.
Investigators discovered that, in late 2015, Joyner took a special interest in a 13-year-old female student and began taking her out of state to play in tennis tournaments.
Testimony during Joyner’s trial indicated that he engaged in sex acts with the minor in multiple states, including Georgia, Louisiana, and South Carolina.
The exploitation continued until the reports of abuse surfaced in 2018. At that time, the victim was 15.
Joyner in 2022 was indicted on a state charge of second-degree rape but Dale County prosecutors ultimately dismissed the charge.
Joyner was immediately taken into custody following this week’s guilty verdict. He faces a sentence ranging from 10 years to life in prison.
A sentencing date has not yet been announced.
“Safeguarding children from sexual exploitation and abuse is one of law enforcement’s most vital responsibilities,” said Acting United States Attorney Ross. “Through his position of authority, Joyner targeted young and vulnerable victims. His actions were reprehensible and caused lasting harm.”
The FBI and the Dale County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell T. Duraski, Tara S. Ratz, and B. Chelsea Phillips.
“Protecting our children is of paramount importance,’’ said FBI Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown.