Youth Soccer Coach Arrested: Accused Of Kissing 15-Year-Old Girl​

WHITE PLAINS, NY — A Westchester County youth soccer coach trusted to help mold young girls, stands accused of betraying that trust in an alarming way.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced today that a coach for a White Plains-based youth soccer clinic was arrested Friday and charged with offenses related to accusations of kissing a 15-year-old girl and making suggestive comments to her.

Jose Grajales-Giraldo, 44, of Mamaroneck, was subsequently arraigned before White Plains City Court Judge John P. Collins Jr. on two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and two counts of sexual abuse.

Grajales-Giraldo pleaded not guilty to the charges and was released on his own recognizance pending further proceedings. The judge provided a temporary order of protection for the victim.

"Protecting our young residents remains among my highest priorities as Westchester District Attorney," Cacace said. "Our office treats offenses against children with the utmost seriousness. We are proud to take a proactive role in the community educating young people to recognize abusive and inappropriate conduct. We urge anyone with further information about this incident to contact our office."

Grajales-Giraldo, a coach for a youth soccer clinic held at Rochambeau Alternative High School, in White Plains, approached a 15-year-old girl at the beginning of soccer practice on Jan. 25, and kissed her on the cheek, according to investigators. He kissed the girl again toward the end of practice, according to the charges.

On Feb. 1, Grajales-Giraldo is accused of approaching the same girl and asking her if she is good at keeping secrets. He then told her, according to the complaint, that he really likes her and wants to kiss her.

Anyone with information about Grajales-Giraldo is urged to contact the Westchester District Attorney's Office at 914-995-TIPS-8477.

The investigation into the incident was conducted by the White Plains Police Department.