Kevin Mays, an assistant coach for the men’s basketball program at California State University, Bakersfield, is being held without bail for multiple crimes, including pimping and trafficking.
The arrest comes after an anonymous female tipster contacted then-men’s head coach Rod Barnes on August 29, 2025. By way of email, the person shared that Mays was working as a pimp across four states: Las Vegas, Oregon, Washington, and California, in addition to his coaching gig.
“HE IS TRAFFICKING A GIRL BY THE NAME OF [redacted],” the email read, according to police records. “HE HAS BEEN TRAFFICKING THIS GIRL SINCE MAY,”
“FIX IT OR THE WHOLE STAFF WILL FALL,” the tipster wrote in all caps according to ESPN. The Jane Doe added that the email was a “first warning and a final warning.”
Coach Barnes forwarded the anonymous email to the university’s human resources office, the outlet reports. Human reources then informed the university’s police department, triggering an investigation that led to criminal charges against Mays.
He was charged with pimping and human trafficking after authorities alleged he moonlighted as a pimp while using a university-rented vehicle to facilitate sex work.
Mays, 30, pleaded not guilty to 11 felony and misdemeanor counts, including possession of methamphetamine and marijuana with intent to sell, illegal firearms and high-capacity magazines, and possessing more than 600 images of child p*rnography, some depicting children as young as 4. He remains held without bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 13.
“$300 for 30 minutes”
Police reports detail how Mays allegedly controlled the woman’s sex work, covering costs for hotels, flights and a rental car authorized through the university’s Enterprise account. A sting operation in Sacramento confirmed her involvement, with ads listing rates of $300 for 30 minutes and $500 for an hour. Text messages showed Mays’ “involvement and control,” authorities said.
Mays played at CSUB from 2014-2016. He then joined the staff in 2019, following failed dreams of international stardom. He worked as a player-development coordinator and became a temporary assistant coach in June 2025. He earned just over $3,000 per month, according to school records.