A boxing coach associated with a well-known, police-backed youth program in Texas has been arrested and charged with multiple felony child sex offenses. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the local community and forced the temporary closure of an institution that has served thousands of young people over nearly three decades.
Authorities in Garland, Texas, confirmed that 42-year-old Agenis Apdul Santos was taken into custody at his home following grave allegations involving a 15-year-old student. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the coach’s affiliation with the Garland Police Boxing Gym, a community cornerstone designed to steer at-risk youth toward positive mentorship, discipline, and athletic achievement through the sport of boxing.
According to detailed local reporting from FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, the investigation was set into motion during early morning hours when school staff were alerted to a serious situation. At approximately 7 a.m., school officials were contacted by a student who reported an alleged sexual assault that had reportedly taken place at the student’s residence. Recognizing the gravity of the report, school personnel immediately intervened and connected with a Garland Police School Resource Officer stationed within the educational system to ensure proper protocol was followed and law enforcement could step in.
Following the initial report, detectives and investigators gathered sufficient evidence to pursue legal action against Santos. He now faces two severe second-degree felony charges under Texas law: sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by contact. Following his apprehension at his Garland residence on November 11, Santos was booked and transferred to the Garland Detention Center. At the time of his initial booking reports, his bond had not yet been formally set by the magistrate.
Legal experts and local officials emphasize that Santos has been formally charged but has not been convicted of the offenses. The judicial process is ongoing, and the allegations remain the subject of an active and thorough police investigation as detectives continue to piece together the timeline and circumstances surrounding the case.
Police Boxing Gym Closed Amid Investigation
In the wake of the arrest, the administration of the Garland Police Boxing Gym acted swiftly to distance the institution from the accused coach and protect the welfare of the community. Authorities confirmed that while Santos served as a coach at the facility, he was never formally employed by the Garland Police Department itself. Nonetheless, the close association between the gym and law enforcement made the fallout immediate and profound.
The Garland Police Boxing Gym holds a storied place in the local community. Established back in 1995 by David Swavey, an officer who has since retired from active duty, the facility was founded with a clear, noble mission: to provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for local youth. Over the course of nearly thirty years of continuous operation, the program has grown exponentially, helping an estimated 10,000 children navigate the challenges of growing up through the physical conditioning, mental discipline, and emotional mentorship inherent in boxing, as reported by CBS Texas.
Beyond its grassroots community work, the gym has also served as a breeding ground for notable athletic talent, boasting a proud professional boxing connection. One of the most prominent alumni of the Garland facility is Americo Santos Jr., who spent his formative athletic years training inside the gym’s rings. Americo Santos Jr. went on to carve out a successful professional boxing career, compiling a notable record of 26 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, which included 22 victories by way of knockout between 2002 and 2011. His career highlights included capturing the prestigious WBC Latino super lightweight title in 2006, as well as holding the IBA Continental lightweight title during his active years in the sport.
Agenis Santos—who has also been known professionally and locally by the name Argie Santos—was immediately stripped of any responsibilities or affiliation with the program following his arrest. In response to the crisis, local law enforcement officials made the decision to temporarily shutter the boxing gym while the investigation proceeds and administrative reviews take place.
Police Appeal to Parents and Community Members
As the investigation widens, local law enforcement agencies are taking proactive steps to ensure that no other victims have been overlooked. Investigators have confirmed through preliminary findings that the 15-year-old student involved in the initial report was not a registered member of the boxing gym. However, given the coach’s regular interaction with young people through his role at the facility, authorities are leaving no stone unturned.
Detectives are actively appealing to parents, guardians, and families whose children participated in the Garland Police Boxing Gym program to open a dialogue with their kids. Police are urging parents to speak closely with their children to determine if there were any past instances of inappropriate contact, boundary violations, or concerning behavior involving Santos during his tenure as a coach.
Law enforcement officials stress that community cooperation is vital in cases of this nature, where victims or witnesses may initially hesitate to come forward. The Garland Police Department has established a dedicated channel for anyone possessing relevant information, tips, or concerns regarding the case. Community members and parents who wish to speak with investigators can contact the Garland Police Department directly at (972) 485-4840.
As the legal proceedings unfold and the Garland Police Boxing Gym remains temporarily closed, the community is left to grapple with the disruption of a long-standing program that has otherwise provided mentorship and guidance to generations of young people in the region.
