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$10M verdict reached against child predator and Osceola County soccer organizations

Hugo Jimenez-Rumbos, a 22-year-old Florida soccer coach, has been jailed after officials said he molested a 9-year-old boy to whom he was supposed to be giving private lessons. 

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — An official settlement has been reached in a case involving multiple soccer organizations and hiring a man without properly checking his background history.

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This comes after Hugo Daniel Jimenez-Rumbos was accused in 2019 of touching a 9-year-old boy inappropriately, to which he would later admit to police and be sentenced to 5 years in prison.

The Simmons Law Group secured a $10,000,000 verdict for their client in a landmark case that highlights the importance of protecting children from negligent hiring practices and predators.

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The lawsuit against My Soccer Academy, Inc., Celta Soccer LLC, and Hugo Daniel Jimenez-Rumbos uncovered gross negligence and disturbing failures in safeguarding children.

The jury found My Soccer Academy, Inc. and Celta Soccer LLC at fault for Negligent Hiring and Retention, determining that the organizations employed Jimenez-Rumbos without conducting a proper background check or ensuring he had a valid work visa.

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The trial revealed Jimenez-Rumbos had a history of personal sexual abuse and aggressive behavior towards children and should never have been left alone with minors.

“This case isn’t just about one predator—it’s about ensuring companies take their role in protecting children seriously... The jury’s decision reflects our community’s commitment to holding both individuals and organizations accountable for their failures.”

—  James Simmons, Lead attorney at Simmons Law Group




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