MESA, AZ (AZFamily) — A high school football coach in Mesa is facing charges, including luring a minor, after he was arrested on campus earlier this week.

On Thursday, Surprise police arrested Richard Godsil at Dobson High School, near Guadalupe and Dobson roads in Mesa. According to Surprise PD, Godsil was booked on two felony charges: aggravated luring of a minor for sexual exploitation and furnishing harmful items to minors.

While specifics about the case have not yet been released, investigators say the alleged crimes do not involve students at Dobson High School.

Godsil has been the head football coach at Dobson since 2019. School officials say he was placed on administrative leave following his arrest.

Below is a message sent to Dobson families on Thursday:

Dobson families,

Today, head football coach, Richard Godsil, was arrested by the Surprise Police Department on campus. Our understanding is the case does not involve Mesa Public Schools students.

Mr. Godsil was immediately placed on administrative leave and the district is, and will continue to, fully cooperate with the Surprise Police Department in their investigation. He has been employed by Mesa Public Schools since 2019. He holds a fingerprint clearance card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Sincerely,

Gabbi Buckley

Principal

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