Tennis Coach Faces Charges Of Sexual Misconduct With Student

FALLS CHURCH, VA — A 29-year-old high school tennis coach is facing three felony charges in connection with an alleged inappropriate sexual relationship with a student at George Mason High School in Falls Church, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.

County detectives began their investigation on June 16 after they learned that Rafael “Rally” Diokno of Falls Church was allegedly having unlawful sexual contact with a student.

Detectives determined the unlawful conduct began in May and the acts occurred at different locations in Fairfax County, not in the city of Falls Church.

Fairfax County police arrested Diokno on Monday on three charge of taking indecent liberties of a child by a custodian. Diokno is currently being held at Fairfax County’s Adult Detention Center without bond.

Falls Church City Public Schools said it contacted Falls Church City Police and Child Protective Services on June 3 immediately after receiving an allegation of potentially inappropriate conduct by a coach toward a student. As a result, the coach was immediately relieved of his coaching duties, according to Falls Church City Public Schools.

"As the police and CPS investigation continues, we must be alert to the possibility of additional potential victims," Falls Church City Public Schools said. "It is crucial that individuals feel comfortable and supported in coming forward if they have additional information or concerns."

Victim specialists from the police department’s Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division also have been assigned to ensure that the victim is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.

Falls Church City Public Schools said it was fully cooperating with the police and CPS during the investigation before the arrest and will continue to cooperate as their investigations continue.

The Falls Church schools system hired Diokno in February 2016 as a seasonal tennis coach. He was not a member of the Falls Church City Public Schools instructional staff.

The school system said it followed its procedures for hiring, including fingerprinting and background checks with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Virginia State Police, Child Protective Services and reference checks. Diokno was terminated from his position as tennis coach on June 4.

Fairfax County police detectives are seeking anyone who has information about this investigation or may have had inappropriate contact with Diokno to call the department’s Major Crimes Bureau detectives at 703-246-7800, option 3. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web.