Child abduction suspect was YMCA volunteer coach

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The CEO of the Wilmington Family YMCA says the man arrested Friday in connection with an attempted child abduction investigation was a volunteer basketball coach with the organization.

Deputies with the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office say James Raymond Gallagher was trying to lure children into his vehicle by offering them money.

Dick Jones tells WWAY that Gallagher was a volunteer basketball coach for the previous season, November 2014 to February 2015, as well as a coach in January of 2014. Jones says Gallagher coached a team of roughly ten 3rd and 4th graders. Jones says Gallagher coached his son’s team.

When asked what would happen if Gallagher asked to volunteer for the next basketball season, Jones said he would no longer be allowed to coach. Jones says the suspect was only a volunteer coach for basketball.

Jones added that anyone who signs up to be a volunteer coach is checked for crimes involving children. According to state records, Gallagher has no record of crimes involving children.