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Coach charged with sexually abusing 2 students

Posted at 12:42 PM, Sep 21, 2012
and last updated 2012-09-21 21:36:54-04

A private school teacher and coach in Pleasant Grove is accused of sexually abusing two students.

Police said 27-year-old Broch DeGraff, a soccer coach at Liahona Preparatory Academy and occasional fill-in teacher, was arrested at his home Wednesday after two girls came forward.

DeGraff was charged with eight counts of forcible sexual abuse and police are looking at additional charges.

Pleasant Grove Police said DeGraff developed relationships with two teenage girls that lasted for a period of time.

"They started meeting late at night, different, various places, here in Pleasant Grove and Utah County," said Det. Ryan Armitstead, Pleasant Grove Police Department. "Of course, then It continued from there."

DeGraff is being held on $50,000 bail, cash only, at the Utah County Jail.

In a statement to FOX 13, the Liahona Preparatory Academy said it “has a policy in place and is revisiting that policy regarding the safety of students and teachers. This is being taken very seriously. The DeGraffs have personally been saddened for all involved. They stay committed to providing a safe environment for all students."

DeGraff is the son of the school's owners.

A parent at the school said they were told about the accusation in August by the DeGraff family. When the investigation was first launched by police, they voted at a parents' meeting to go forward with the school year.

Police are investigating the possibility of more victims. Any one with information is asked to call Pleasant Grove Police at (801) 785-3506.