ST PAUL, Minn. — A former Maple Grove volleyball coach accused of using his position to have sex with girls appeared in federal court Thursday.
Dorian Barrs is accused of having sex with at least five of his former players who were all between the ages of 15 and 17. Barrs is also accused of producing child pornography.
During the court proceeding Thursday afternoon, Assistant U.S. Attorney Hillary Taylor called Barrs a “serial predator.”
In court, attorneys also revealed that two of Barrs' alleged victims, who are now adults, are currently living with Barrs. His attorney says these “roommates” are seeking permission from the court to contact Barrs, even though they are listed as victims in the case.
Prosecutors were concerned about this request, because they argue Barrs has already engaged in questionable conversations with people on the outside while he's been in custody.
The judge ultimately decided Barrs would not be allowed to have contact with any of the alleged victims or their families due to concerns that the conversations could have an impact on the case. The judge also decided that Barrs should remain in custody because he poses a flight risk.
Barrs is planning to plead not guilty in the case.
The Osseo School District, which includes Maple Grove High School, confirmed that Barrs was an assistant volleyball coach at the school from 2020-23, but is no longer employed by the district. Court records show Barrs was also a coach for two club-level teams in the Twin Cities metro.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Barrs used Snapchat, text messaging and other social media channels to engage with teenage girls between October 2014 and March of 2024.
The office says Barrs coerced several teenage girls into engaging in sexual activity and Barrs produced explicit material while having sex with his victims.
Attorneys have positively identified five victims in the case, but they believe there are other victims who haven’t been identified yet. Court records show Barrs solicited explicit material from a girl as young as 13 years old.
Attorneys are asking anyone who has been victimized by Barrs or know someone who has to contact the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or by email at tips.fbi.gov.