A professor and coach of the year at Diablo Valley College in California has been charged with allegedly forcing a student and another woman into prostitution.
Kyle Whitmore, 39, a tenured communication studies instructor and former men’s track and field coach, was arrested last Thursday after one of his victims reported the case to the university, which is based in Pleasant Hill.
His charges include human trafficking and pimping as well as sexual assault, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office said Monday.
The school district said it was “devastated by the seriousness of the allegations that have been raised thus far.”
“The safety of our students and staff is our main priority,” the school said in a statement.
“We take seriously any accusations of inappropriate behavior by our employees and honor the expectation that our students, staff, and visitors have to be safe when they visit our campuses.”
Kyle Whitmore, A Diablo Valley College professor was arrested for allegedly forcing a student and another woman into prostitution.Diablo Valley College
As well as the student who reported him, Whitmore is accused of allegedly trafficking another woman. It was not immediately clear if she was associated with the school.
Whitmore was charged with two counts of human trafficking, two counts of pandering, one count of pimping and four counts of sexual assault, the D.A.’s Office said.
The arrest sent shockwaves through the local community where Whitmore was celebrated for having led Diablo Valley’s track team to recent successes, including a fourth-place finish at a state tournament.
Last year, Whitmore was named the California Community College Cross Country and Track Coaches Association Men’s Coach of the Year. Diablo Valley College
Last year the California Community College Cross Country and Track Coaches Association even named Withmore their Men’s Coach of the Year.
Cornell Davis, a student who has known Whitmore for years, said he was stunned to learn about the allegations surrounding the man who always appeared bright and helpful on campus.
“He’s really outgoing. If you need someone to talk to, go to him because he’ll give you some really incredible advice,” he told NBC Bay Area. “I’m still just low-key speechless, it’s hit me really hard today.”
Whitmore’s arrest came after one of the women reported him to college officials. Diablo Valley College
Whitmore, who has been with the school since 2014, was placed on administrative leave, with his page on the college website now blank.
He made his first court appearance Tuesday, where a judge postponed his arraignment until Sept. 19.
He remains in custody at the Martinez Detention Facility, where he is being held without bail.
A representative for Whitmore was not immediately available to respond to The Post’s request for comment.