West Melbourne, FL – A Pop Warner youth football coach has been arrested after a woman accused him of sexual battery inside her apartment, and police say he admitted to the incident during a series of recorded phone calls.
- Advertisement -
35-year-old Davarius Antwan Howard, of Palm Bay, was taken into custody following an investigation by the West Melbourne Police Department. He is charged with Sexual Battery of a Victim 18 or Older by an Offender 18 or Older, a serious felony under Florida law.
Victim’s Account (warning: graphic detail)
According to the arrest affidavit, Howard and the victim’s connection began earlier in the summer of 2025 at a community pool. Howard had been swimming with some of his football players when he first encountered her. From there, he obtained her phone number and began messaging her about coaching and football.
- Advertisement -
The woman told police that she only knew Howard through football and did not have a personal relationship with him outside of that context. Over time, however, Howard became more involved in her daily life. He offered help with rides to and from football practice, calling and texting frequently. The victim later described this as part of the “football culture,” where coaches and parents often helped each other.
She also explained to investigators that she suffers from panic disorders, PTSD, and agoraphobia, conditions that sometimes prevent her from leaving the house or functioning normally. Because of this, she occasionally relied on Howard and other coaches for assistance when her symptoms were severe.
- Advertisement -
In the week leading up to the alleged assault, she had been on medical leave from her job due to her condition, and was in the middle of moving — additional stress that left her vulnerable. She said Howard was aware of her struggles, and she confided in him about her anxiety and panic attacks.
On the day of the incident, she told police she had not showered for several days due to her mental health condition. When Howard suggested he would come by to check on her, she initially objected, telling him that “nothing could happen” if he came over. She reiterated that she didn’t want company and emphasized her anxiety. Howard reportedly assured her that “nothing was going to happen” and that he only wanted to make sure she was okay. He convinced her that allowing him to come over would force her to shower and would be good for her.
Before Howard arrived, she agreed to quickly rinse off in the shower but told him again that his visit was strictly to check on her well-being. She was sitting on her couch with her dog when he came to the door. As they were walking past the kitchen, Davarius asked her if she had taken a shower and she said yes. He then asked for a hug, and she agreed because she didn’t think it was inappropriate. When they hugged, Davarius immediately began kissing her on the mouth. She turned her head away, but he then started kissing her down her neck. She later demonstrated to police that when she had hugged him, her hands were wrapped around his back, but when he began kissing her, she brought her hands up to her chest in an attempt to push him off. She told him, “I told you we can’t do that,” but Davarius continued. He then moved his hands down to her butt, grabbed her, and pulled her closer into him. He lifted her up under her butt as she told him no and tried to squirm away, but he would not let her go. She recalled looking over toward the living room, telling him again that they were not going to do this. Despite this, Davarius continued holding her as he picked her up and began moving toward the couch, telling her that he was taking her into the bedroom.
According to the victim’s statement, Howard forced her onto the couch, laying her on her back as he climbed on top of her. She tried to scoot away but was trapped at the end of the couch. Howard began kissing her and pulled one of her breasts from her shirt, sucking on it hard as she pushed against him and told him no. She later described him as being heavier and stronger than her, and said he smelled like cigarettes.
She reported that as she tried to adjust her clothing, Howard pulled her shorts to the side and began penetrated her with his fingers. Despite her telling him to stop and that she didn’t want to go any further, Howard then pulled out his penis and began rubbing it against her. She said she pushed him away, and he told her he wasn’t going to put it in.
The victim stated Howard then placed his penis inside of her anyway. She said she just wanted it to be over. Howard penetrated her for 10 to 15 seconds, during which time she said he ejaculated inside of her. Afterward, she recalled him getting up, sneezing, and casually asking if she had a cat in the apartment, as though nothing had happened.
Controlled Phone Calls
On August 28, police arranged for the victim to make three controlled phone calls to Howard while detectives listened and recorded.
During the conversations, the victim pressed Howard about what happened in her apartment. At first, he tried to downplay the encounter, saying “nothing really happened.” He repeatedly stated that phone calls sounded “fishy” and asked who else was there. But when she continued to confront him, Howard admitted he “shouldn’t have did it” and eventually told her:
“OK… you said no and I apologized, and I meant that from the bottom of my heart.”
Detectives highlighted this as a direct acknowledgment that the sexual activity occurred despite her saying no.
Evidence Collected
Police collected the clothing the victim said she wore during the incident and noted her description of semen discharge afterward. She also gave a sworn statement outlining the sequence of events. Investigators said Howard’s shifting explanations during the recorded calls, combined with the physical evidence and victim’s account, provided probable cause for arrest.
Arrest Warrant
On September 4, 2025, Detective Donovan Brickhouse of the West Melbourne Police Department presented the case to a Brevard County judge, who issued a warrant for Howard’s arrest. Howard is charged with Sexual Battery Victim 18 or Older by Offender 18 or Older and now faces prosecution in Brevard County.
Community Connection
Howard is known locally for his role as a Pop Warner youth football coach. The victim told police she knew him only through football activities and did not have a personal relationship with him beyond that.
