The men’s basketball program at California State University, Bakersfield is facing a serious investigation after former player and temporary assistant coach Kevin Mays was arrested on multiple criminal charges. Authorities accuse him of running an illegal operation involving prostitution across several states while working with the team. The case began in August when head coach Rod Barnes received an anonymous email titled “IMPORTANT MESSAGE 911 911.”
The message warned that Mays was moving a woman between states for sex work and said, “FIX IT OR THE WHOLE STAFF WILL FALL.” Barnes forwarded the email to the university’s human resources department, which then alerted campus police.
Investigators later tracked online ads linked to sex services in Sacramento, California. That discovery led police to organize a sting operation that eventually resulted in Mays’ arrest.
Kevin Mays investigation grows after Rod Barnes forwards anonymous warning to university officials
Police investigators say they arranged an undercover meeting after identifying a woman who was advertising sex services online in Sacramento. Officers posed as a customer and contacted her through the listing. When they met the woman, she reportedly told investigators that Kevin Mays was her boyfriend and that he helped organize parts of her work.
According to police documents, she told officers that Mays paid for hotel rooms, rental cars, and flights connected to the activity. Authorities say those statements became a key part of the case against him.
Soon after gathering that information, police arrested Mays. During searches of his vehicle and apartment, investigators say they found several firearms and illegal drugs. Officers also examined his phone. According to law enforcement reports, the device contained hundreds of illegal images involving minors.
Mays had joined the basketball staff only a few months earlier. Reports say he was hired in June and earned about $3,000 per month as a temporary assistant coach.
Court records show that he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Authorities say he is currently being held in jail without bail while the case continues.
The arrest quickly created tension inside the university’s athletic department. Not long after the investigation became public, head coach Rod Barnes and athletic director Kyle Conder both left their positions. The university has not confirmed whether those departures were directly related to the case.
University officials released a statement saying the accusations are “deeply concerning.” The school also said it launched a wider review of its athletics programs after the incident.
Investigators say the case is still active. Authorities continue to interview people connected to the situation to determine whether more victims or additional charges could emerge.
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