BUCKEYE, AZ — Buckeye police say a former youth swim coach is accused of secretly recording student-athletes in bathrooms.
Police say David Laudati, 41, was arrested Monday on voyeurism charges in connection to incidents reported in 2023.
According to police, in September 2023, a parent contacted officers to report that her 14-year-old daughter was changing clothes after swim practice when she noticed a cell phone in the bathroom at the Center on Main facility where Laudati had just finished coaching. Police say the phone was in a backpack's mesh pocket in the bathroom and the screen was on, showing what the camera was recording.
Two days later, a search warrant was served at the coach's Goodyear home and his electronics were analyzed. Investigators found several photos showing partially undressed or undressed minors in the Center on Main bathroom and Litchfield Park Recreation Center locker room.
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Laudati was reportedly coaching the Arizona Dolphins team and was also found to be coaching at Millenium High School in Goodyear.
Three victims, between 14 and 17 years old, were identified, police say.
A Grand Jury indicted Laudati earlier this month on multiple counts of voyeurism and attempt to commit voyeurism. U.S. Marshals located him at a home in Connecticut and took him into custody. He is expected to be extradited back to Maricopa County.
The Agua Fria High School District tells ABC15 they fired the coach in 2023 after learning about the allegations.
They also sent a letter informing parents of the arrest on Tuesday.
The Arizona Dolphins club team also sent a statement applauding the victims' courage to come forward:
We are so proud of the swimmers who came forward to stop Dave. Their bravery is what allowed Buckeye PD to quickly start an investigation that has led to his arrest. We continue to support the families involved, and offer any support to the investigation as we are able.
Meantime, officials from Childhelptold ABC15 they have programs geared towards helping student-athletes deal with problems that might come up.
“An athlete is typically this certain personality who wants to do the best no matter the cost," said Catherine Beach, a program manager with Childhelp.
“Some of the problems we see that help seekers are reaching out about are sexual abuse concerns, eating disorders and suicide ideation,” she added.
Beach said they work with some Valley school districts to implement "Speak Up Be Safe."
Anyone with questions or concerns about athlete abuse can reach out to Childhelp's Courage First Athlete Helpline at 888-279-1026 or athletehelpline.org.
