New York, New York – Sommers Schwartz, P.C. announced that attorneys Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller and Andy Dragovic are seeking to speak with individuals who believe they may have been sexually abused by volleyball coach Edgar Lazaro Castillo, who is under federal investigation in connection with the alleged exploitation of minors.

According to the FBI, investigators believe Castillo primarily targeted minors participating in volleyball leagues between 2010 and March 2026 in multiple states, with a focus on New York City. Federal authorities have notified high schools, colleges, and volleyball clubs in the New York metropolitan area that Castillo is being investigated in connection with a reported sexual assault that occurred earlier this year.

The investigation is ongoing, and no criminal findings have yet been made public. Esser-Weidenfeller and Dragovic said the firm’s role at this stage is to listen to potential survivors, help them understand their options, and coordinate with law enforcement and trauma-informed resources. They emphasized that any conversations with the firm will be confidential and voluntary.

“Many people who were harmed as teenagers by adults in positions of authority do not recognize what happened as abuse until years later,” Esser-Weidenfeller said. “We are talking with current and former athletes who may have had contact with Mr. Castillo to help them sort through their experiences in a safe, informed way.”

The FBI has indicated that the potential conduct under investigation may span club, school, and collegiate volleyball programs and may cross state lines. Youth and young adults who participated in volleyball leagues in or around New York City during the identified period are considered a particular focus, according to federal authorities’ outreach to institutions.

Dragovic noted that coaches and trainers in youth sports often hold significant power over playing time, scholarship opportunities, and team status, which can complicate how young athletes understand coercive or abusive behavior. “When the authority figure is a coach, the pressure to comply or to stay silent can be intense,” he said. “Years later, former players may still question whether what happened to them ‘counts’ as abuse. Those are exactly the kinds of questions we are prepared to discuss.”

Advocates and law enforcement officials have long warned that abuse in youth sports can remain hidden for extended periods, particularly when incidents occur off campus or outside official team activities. In some cases, investigators learn of patterns of misconduct only after multiple individuals step forward independently.

Esser-Weidenfeller said the firm is paying particular attention to the unique challenges faced by those who may still be in school or living near the volleyball programs where they once played. “We understand that coming forward can feel risky, especially if a survivor worries about their education or their standing in the athletic community,” she said. “No one is obligated to take any specific legal path; simply sharing information and learning about available support can be an important first step.”

Sommers Schwartz, P.C. stressed that any person who believes they may have been harmed by Castillo, or who has information that may be relevant to the FBI’s inquiry, can choose to contact federal authorities directly. The firm also said it is available to speak with individuals and families who want to better understand their civil rights and options without making any immediate decisions.

Lisa Esser-Weidenfeller
Sommers Schwartz, P.C.
(800) 783-0989
LEsser@sommerspc.com

Andy Dragovic
Sommers Schwartz, P.C.
(800) 783-0989
adragovic@sommerspc.com