US News
Homeland Security opens child exploitation inquiry into banned Texas volleyball coach
Federal investigators are looking into allegations against Ryan Richardson and reviewing local police responses.
The short version
- Homeland Security Investigations initiated a federal child exploitation probe targeting former Texas volleyball coach Ryan Richardson following investigative news reporting.
- The U.S. Center for SafeSport permanently banned Richardson in February 2026 after finding he committed sexual and physical misconduct, including having an intimate relationship with a minor.
- Federal authorities stated the inquiry will also review the actions of local Texas police departments that previously declined to investigate complaints regarding Richardson.
Key facts
- Homeland Security Investigations launched a child exploitation probe into Ryan Richardson, a former Texas volleyball coach.[ProPublica]
- HSI supervisor Juan J. Flores Jr. stated the inquiry was initiated in response to media reporting that detailed allegations Richardson had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old player starting in 2022.[ProPublica]
- In February 2026, the U.S. Center for SafeSport permanently banned Richardson after concluding he engaged in sexual misconduct, physical misconduct, bullying, and an intimate relationship with a minor.[ProPublica]
- Federal officials stated they will examine the prior handling of complaints by police departments in Pharr and McAllen, Texas, which previously declined to investigate.[ProPublica]
What remains uncertain
- Richardson did not respond to requests for comment regarding the federal investigation or the underlying allegations.[ProPublica]