Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) is facing new scrutiny after a legal claim alleged that the district allowed a registered sex offender to volunteer as a softball coach at Fresno High School, despite his violent criminal record and student complaints about inappropriate behavior.
Former Student Files Claim
The claim, filed on August 26 by a former softball player referred to as the claimant, accuses FUSD of negligent hiring, supervision, and retention of Dusty William Lewis, who served as a volunteer coach for the school’s softball program.
The student alleges that Lewis inappropriately touched her during practice, “grabbing and moving her body under the guise of instruction.” The conduct, described as “unwanted” and “frightening,” allegedly caused severe emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma.
According to the filing, the student and others reported Lewis’s behavior to Fresno High’s coaches, principal, vice principal, and athletic director, but the administration dismissed their complaints. Lewis allegedly continued to have unsupervised access to female athletes during practices and games.
District Response
The claim appeared in the Fresno Unified School Board’s consent agenda this week, where it was initially recommended for denial and referral to the Risk Management Department.
However, trustees pulled the item before the meeting.
District spokesperson A.J. Kato confirmed that the issue will return at a future board session but declined further comment, citing pending litigation.
A Coach With a Violent Past
Public records show Lewis was convicted of rape by force or fear in 2001 and served several years in prison before his release in 2008. His status as a registered sex offender is publicly listed on the Megan’s Law database.
The claim asserts that Fresno High administrators and staff were aware of his past convictions when allowing him to volunteer.
It also references a 2012 arrest, when Lewis led police on a slow-speed chase with a baby in his car. Officers later found a loaded firearm and two bags of hashish inside.
Pattern of Misconduct Cases in the District
This incident is the latest in a troubling pattern for Fresno Unified, where multiple staff members and coaches have faced sexual misconduct charges over the past year:
- July 2025: Hoover High interim soccer coach Miguel Lara was arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material.
- May 2025: Substitute teacher Carlos Gonzalez was arrested for allegedly attempting to meet a minor for sex.
- February 2025: Bullard High teacher Ray Waller was charged with 10 felony counts, including sodomy with a minor and using a child to produce pornography.
Fresno Unified said it took immediate action in each of those cases, including removing access to district systems and notifying authorities.
Claim Seeks Compensation
The current Fresno High claim seeks compensation for damages exceeding $25,000, including emotional distress, economic loss, and therapy costs. The claimant also requests additional relief as deemed appropriate by the court.
If substantiated, the case could intensify concerns over the district’s background check procedures and oversight of volunteers in student athletic programs.
