Editor’s note: This story has been updated. The latest developments appear at the bottom.
BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — A Boca Raton tennis coach is in custody after Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office detectives investigated allegations of sexual battery involving a minor.
Detectives initiated the investigation on Jan. 20, 2026, after receiving allegations that Cemal Kaya, a tennis coach in Boca Raton, committed a sexual battery involving a minor, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
After what the agency described as a thorough investigation, detectives said they established probable cause and arrested Kaya on Feb. 6, 2026. PBSO identified him as 18 years old and a Boca Raton resident. We will share those details as soon as possible.
Kaya was arrested on one count of Sexual Battery and one count of Lewd or Lascivious Exhibition, PBSO said. The sheriff’s office did not release further details about the allegations, including where the alleged incidents occurred or the age of the victim.
Detectives also said they believe there may be additional victims.
PBSO is asking anyone who has information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Kaya, to contact Detective V. Skuza by email at [email protected]. Tips can also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS. Crime Stoppers tipsters may remain anonymous.
UPDATE (Feb. 10, 2026):
Court records and law enforcement filings now indicate the alleged victim in the case is a 6-year-old girl who was a student of the suspect at a Boca Raton tennis academy.
According to investigators, the child was enrolled at the academy where Cemal Kaya, 18, was participating in a training program while transitioning into a coaching role. Detectives allege Kaya primarily worked with groups of children. The academy is not being named by Boca Post.
Investigators say the alleged sexual battery occurred multiple times on the premises of the tennis academy, specifically inside a storage closet used for tennis equipment, according to court records. Authorities allege the victim knew Kaya through her participation at the academy and described him to investigators as a “bad man.”
An owner of the tennis academy told detectives there had been no prior complaints involving Kaya, according to court documents. The owner also reported that the facility’s security cameras were not operational at the time of the alleged incidents.
Court records indicate Kaya did not make any statements to investigators following his arrest.
During a first appearance hearing on Feb. 7, a judge found probable cause for the charges. Kaya was ordered held without bond on the sexual battery count under Florida’s Arthur hearing provisions. Additional bond conditions were imposed on the remaining charge, along with a no-contact order with the victim.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has said detectives believe there may be additional victims.
Anyone with information related to this case, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, is urged to contact Detective V. Skuza with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477).
This story will continue to be updated as additional court records are released.
UPDATE (Feb. 7, 2026):
Newly filed court and jail records show that the sexual battery charge against Boca Raton tennis coach Cemal Kaya involves a child under the age of 12.
Kaya, 18, was arrested Feb. 6 and booked into the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center, where he remains in custody without bond, according to jail records. The sexual battery charge is classified as a life felony under Florida law. He is also charged with lewd or lascivious exhibition by an offender 18 years of age or older involving a victim younger than 16.
A probable cause affidavit and related arrest documents have been received by the court but are not yet available for review. PBSO has not released additional details about the alleged incidents, including where they occurred or the identity of the victim. Boca Post does not identify victims of alleged sexual crimes.
Court records show Kaya is scheduled for a first appearance hearing the morning of Feb. 7.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office has said detectives believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, is urged to contact Detective V. Skuza at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-458-TIPS (8477).
This story will be updated when the probable cause affidavit or additional court records are released.
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