A Novato man who served as a youth basketball coach has been arrested on allegations of sexually abusing a 14‑year‑old girl, according to Marin County officials. The alleged abuse, which investigators say occurred between October 2025 and May 2026, was first disclosed when the victim contacted law enforcement.
Investigation Unfolds
Detectives from the Novato Police Department began probing Charles Ramon Huff after the teenager revealed that the abuse had taken place outside of any team activities. Police said the inquiry revealed a pattern of misconduct that was not connected to his role on the court.
Huff was taken into custody on a Sunday following his release from Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, where he had been receiving treatment for unrelated health issues. He now faces three counts of lewd acts with a child, and a special allegation that he held a position of trust has been added by the Marin County District Attorney's Office.
Academy Response
The North Bay Basketball Academy, where Huff previously volunteered, issued a statement confirming his long‑standing involvement with the organization and announcing that he has been placed on indefinite administrative leave. The academy emphasized that the alleged incidents did not involve any participant in its programs and that it is cooperating fully with investigators.
Wes Carroll, a spokesperson for the academy, said the organization is deeply troubled by the allegations and is committed to the safety of its members. He urged any other families who may have had contact with Huff to come forward and speak with authorities.
Legal Proceedings
According to court records, Huff is scheduled to appear before a judge on Thursday morning to enter a plea. The indictment includes a special allegation that he abused his authority as a coach, a factor that prosecutors say heightens the seriousness of the charges.
Police are asking anyone else who may have had interactions with Huff to reach out to the Novato Police Department, noting that the investigation remains open and that additional victims may come forward as the case proceeds.