CSUB Assistant Coach Faces Major Felony Charges Amid Trafficking Scandal

CSUB Coach Kevin Mays Pleads Not Guilty to Felony Charges of Pimping, Pandering, and Child Pornography in Bakersfield Case

He confronts intense legal and community scrutiny as Bakersfield grapples with these accusations.

October 2, 2026

This article was last updated by Reshma on October 3, 2026

Kevin Mays, a prominent assistant basketball coach at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), has become embroiled in a shocking criminal probe.

On September 3, 2026, Bakersfield police collaborated with Sacramento authorities to arrest Mays amid pimping and pandering allegations.

The 32-year-old coach, integral to CSUB’s men’s basketball program, now confronts numerous grave charges, including multiple felonies.

Despite mounting evidence, Kevin Mays maintains his innocence across all charges, as verified during his Kern County Superior Court hearing on Monday.

A Promising Career Overshadowed by Scandal

Born December 10, 1992, to Kevin and Stephanie Black, Mays cultivated basketball passion early.

At Northwestern Military Academy, he excelled, earning Player of the Year honors and All-Region/All-Conference selections within three seasons.

Academic distinction secured his spot on the Dean’s List. Transferring to Odessa College, he later competed as a forward for the Roadrunners (2014-2016).

Kevin Mays during the CUS Bakersfield Athletics event.

Recognized as a top Western Athletic Conference performer, his strengths lay in rebounding and physical play.

After graduating CSUB in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree, he transitioned to coaching.

By Fall 2026, he entered his seventh season as CSUB assistant coach, focusing on player development.

His commitment to the sport and alma mater earned respect until recent allegations disrupted his life.

The Investigation Begins

Anonymous tip in early September initiated the case, alleging involvement in human trafficking.

Local police partnered with Sacramento authorities to identify a confidential victim.

Found in a Sacramento hotel room under Mays’ name, she possessed a vehicle registered to him.

Investigators discovered online ads tied to Mays, indicating cross-state sex work coordination.

Prosecutors highlighted the victim’s vulnerability and the operation’s complexity.

CSUB Assistant Basketball coach Kevin Mays

Police seized Mays’ device revealing 3,000+ encrypted files on cloud accounts linked to child sexual abuse material.

Content included images/videos of minors in sexual acts.

This led to additional charges, elevating the case severity.

Mays faces 11 felony charges, including pimping, illegal firearm possession, drug offenses, and child pornography with over 600 illegal images.

Federal agencies assist with the child pornography case, now handled by Bakersfield PD’s Special Victims Unit.

Indictment for child pornography charges scheduled Tuesday in Kern County Superior Court.

The accusations have stunned CSUB, where Mays was viewed as a positive role model.

University has yet to comment on his employment status, sparking ongoing speculation among stakeholders.

Silence from administration intensifies concerns regarding campus safety and accountability.

Case highlights broader trafficking issues demanding community action.

Advocates urge heightened awareness and victim support systems.

Mays remains in custody amid intense legal proceedings affecting his future at CSUB.

Future developments may emerge from investigation outcomes impacting his career trajectory.

Explore additional articles on

Reshma, esteemed content editor, excels in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences.

May 21, 2026

May 20, 2026

May 19, 2026

Comments

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

- May 21, 2026 Louis Anthony Chighisola III, a former basketball, soccer, and football passed away at the age of 49. He was born on May 7, 1976, to...

- May 21, 2026 A Franklin Park mother is speaking out against what she describes as ongoing bullying and administrative failures at St. Vincent Ferrer School, after months...

- May 20, 2026 A witness account posted to the Glebe Locals Facebook group has sparked a heated debate among residents after a group of schoolboys was seen...

- May 20, 2026 Bruce C Kelsey, an A-level squash player, a champion platform tennis player, a scratch golfer, and a quick-witted bridge player, passed away at 70. Kelsey...

- May 19, 2026 Jerry L. "Sport" Jordan, a graduate of Laurel Highlands High School, passed away at 64. He was born on September 4, 1961, in Brownsville, PA,...