University Coach Arrested for Soliciting Minor

LOUISA, Va. - The head coach of Howard University's men's soccer team was arrested after police said he used the Internet to solicit a person he thought was a 13-year-old girl for sexual purposes.

Joseph Okoh, 40, was arrested Friday and charged with one felony count of using a communications system to solicit a person under 15 years old with lascivious intent. He is being held without bond at the Central Virginia Regional Jail in Orange pending a bond hearing Friday.

The Louisa County Sheriff's Office said Okoh traveled from his home in Arlington for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity with a person he thought was a 13-year-old girl. The person was actually an undercover deputy.

A spokeswoman for Howard University said Okoh has been suspended from all university activities and duties pending completion of the investigation.

"Because this is a personnel matter, we are unable to provide any further information at this time," Jennifer James-Pryor said in a statement. "However, Howard University has zero tolerance for the violation of any University policy and our code of conduct."

Okoh is in his first season as head men's soccer coach, according to the university's Web site.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)