Coach's co-workers speak out on charges

ACUSHNET, MASS. (WPRI)- Anthony Desilva, a 41-year-old youth hockey is facing charges of soliciting teenage boys in Florida online. Now, his former co-workers are speaking out and saying they can't believe the allegations against him.

Alyssa Sylvia tells Eyewitness News Desilva was not just involved in youth hockey with the Massachusetts Maple Leafs but also worked with the Fairhaven Acushnet Little League.

"It's really disgusting to me how you can work around kids for many years and just act like nothing's wrong. If parents realized how many kids he's come in contact with, I think it would be a huge concern", Sylvia said.

The investigation began when the mother of a 16-year-old Florida boy told authorities a man having inappropriate conversations with her son.

A detective continued chatting with Desilva while posing as the teen.

Desilva allegedly sent nude photos of himself to the boy and described sexual acts.

He was arrested Thursday at his Acushnet home and is currently being held on $55,000 bail in a Florida jail.