Recently, Virginia State Police apprehended a suspect who is believed to have posed as a private cheerleading coach in order to lure young girls. The suspect, 38-year-old Jason Fragale, was arrested at Orlando International Airport in February while attempting to leave the country.
Fragale faces 10 felony charges related to child pornography after an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Virginia State Police, and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. According to investigators, Fragale uploaded images believed to be child pornography on the messaging app Kik and referred to himself as a pedophile while making disturbing comments regarding sexually assaulting children.
Fragale operated the Crimson All-Star Cheerleading Club from an office in Reston Town Center under the alias “Jason Mariani.” However, records indicate that the business is defunct and no longer has an office in Reston Town Center. Investigators are now looking into whether the cheerleading business was a legitimate operation or just a front to lure young girls.
While Fragale has not been charged in connection with the cheerleading business, authorities are urging anyone who had interactions with him as a cheer coach under the alias of ‘Jason Mariani’ to come forward to law enforcement. Fragale had residences in Florida and Leesburg and was extradited to Loudoun County where he is scheduled to appear in court in July.
In light of these recent events, Virginia State Police Special Agent Mike Bullock is advising parents to speak with their children and report any interactions with Fragale under his real name or his alias to law enforcement. This case serves as a chilling reminder of how online predators can pose as coaches or mentors in order to gain access to vulnerable children, and it underscores the importance of safeguarding children from such individuals.
