ROGERS, AR (KNWA) – A Bentonville swim coach has been arrested on charges of sexual assault and internet stalking of a child after police say he met a 14-year-old boy on the app “Grindr.”
Rogers Police arrested Stephen Duwel, 50, on Monday.
According to the website Arkansas Swimming Inc., Duwel has been a swim coach at Bentonville High School since 2003 and also coaches for NWA Aquatics.
According to police, Duwel sent several inappropriate messages to the boy through the app, and the two exchanged phone numbers. Police say the boy lied about his age in order to use Grindr.
The boy reportedly told police he and Duwel went to a drive-in movie theater and that Duwel kissed him. He also said that about two or three months ago, Duwel picked him up to go to Duwel’s home where Duwel touched him inappropriately in his bedroom.
Bentonville Superintendent Mike Poore released the following statement Tuesday:
“We have been informed that volunteer swim Coach Duwel has been arrested for an offense involving a Rogers minor. This arrest did not take place on district property and does not relate to district students. As a volunteer, Coach Duwel has no contract with the district, but he will be directed to cease all district related contact with our personnel and students.”
NWA Aquatics released the following statement Tuesday:
“We learned Monday from the Benton County Sheriff’s Department that Steve was arrested for actions we feel could compromise the integrity of our swim program and the safety of our swimmers. The Board has immediately suspended Steve indefinitely. We have confidence in two of our assistant coaches who will be leading the team on an interim basis. Our goal is to maintain stability and continue to provide a healthy and competitive environment for our swimmers. We will continue to cooperate with authorities and communicate often with our club families. While this is an unfortunate situation, we remain very optimistic about our club’s future and the opportunities our swimmers will have as NWAA Sharks.”
