Kenneth George Otani is a 54 year old man from Helper, Utah. Otani worked as a golf coach at Carbon High School. Police have accused Otani of abusing a student at the school for multiple years.
Kenneth George Otani Allegations
Otani Arrested, Accused Of Abuse. “Kenneth George Otani, 54, of Helper, is charged in 7th District Court with object rape and forcible sodomy, first-degree felonies, and forcible sexual abuse, a second-degree felony. In July 2018, following a golf lesson, Otani asked a 16-year-old girl, who was a member of the golf team, “what she would do if he molested her while in the building at the Carbon County Golf Course driving range,” according to a police booking affidavit.” [KSL]
Otani Accused Of Over 100 Instances Of Abuse. “According to court documents, the abuse occurred “at least 100 times” over a four year period and Otani was only arrested after the victim told their parents about the abuse in 2022. Otani has continued to behave as if he and the victim are in an “ongoing emotional, romantic and sexual relationship,” court documents state.” [KSLTV]
Police: Otani, Teen Shared 16,700 Text Messages. “During an investigation of Otani, the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office discovered over 16,700 text messages sent between him and the minor. Otani served as golf coach at the school until 2020.” [Fox 13]
Police Claim Otani Admitted Abuse In Text Message. “In April, the girl told her mother about the alleged abuse, the affidavit states. Upon learning this, the mother sent a text message to Otani: “So, I understand the real reason (she) hates golf. … She finally told us what you did to her. She was our innocent girl. … How dare you do this to her.” Five minutes after sending that message, investigators say Otani sent a message to the girl asking her if she had told her mother. Thirty minutes after that, Otani sent the mother a message stating, “I am so very sorry! There is no excuse. I am beside myself. I hate that I have hurt all of you,” according to the affidavit.” [KSL]
Kenneth George Otani Criminal Case
Otani Pleaded Guilty. “Kenneth George Otani, 55, pleaded guilty on Feb. 13 to forcible sodomy and forcible sexual abuse, both second-degree felonies. As part of a plea deal, a charge of object rape, a first-degree felony, was dismissed. According to charging documents, Otani sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl on his Carbon High School golf team over several years beginning in July 2018. The girl estimated she was abused at least 100 times, including when meeting Otani at his home for private golf lessons.” [KSL]
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.