A former YMCA swim coach was charged Friday with stalking and harassing one of her former team members, according to Channel 11's News exchange partners at TribLIVE.
Laurel Lynn Highlands, 43, of Ruffsdale, is accused of having inappropriate contact with the juvenile male, TribLIVE reported. Police claim Highlands held hands with the boy and massaged his back and legs.
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According to TribLIVE, police said that while coaching the Laurel Highlands YMCA Swim Team in East Huntingdon, Highlands sent more than 3,800 text messages to the boy and gave him numerous gifts.
Police said Highlands and the boy began texting each other in the summer of 2013, TribLIVE reported. At the time, the boy was working at Highlands' residence to help raise money to cover his costs for the team's trip to a national meet.
The boy's mother became aware of the text messages exchanged with Highlands and asked that it stop, according to TribLIVE.
Police told TribLIVE that Highlands gave the boy more than 50 personalized care packages that included handwritten messages, clothing, sneakers and swimming equipment.
WPXI
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