Former basketball coach accused of molesting young girls

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A former girls' basketball coach was in court Wednesday. The defense attorney listed evidence for two-dozen counts of molestation charges.

The judge heard evidence for 24 counts of various sex crimes all including children. We've learned there are five alleged victims, all girls and three of them are related to Denell Johnson.

Denell Johnson, 38, spent the day in a courtroom listening as the district attorney presented evidence that he allegedly committed 14 lewd acts with a child, sexually abused a child and committed various other sexual acts. In all he's facing 24 counts total.

Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward said, "We presume that he'll enter a not guilty plea."

Ward says this is a sensitive case. He say most of the alleged victims are related to Johnson. The girls were between 9 and 15 when the apparent incidents happened, with some occurring back in the 1990s.

Ward added, "It's our desire to move this case along to bring justice to these victims as swiftly and as ethically and responsibly as we can."

Johnson has six prior child molestation convictions from 2003. His attorney Albert Garcia says Johnson is anxious to resolve these latest allegations.

Garcia explained, "We're hoping to get a little bit closer to the truth I know the district attorney's office feels like they have the truth but right now we're in search of that."

If convicted on the charges presented Wednesday, Johnson would face 169 years to life in prison. Garcia says he's hoping it's resolved before going to trial.

Garcia said, "When you go to trial you're gambling you don't know what's going to happen."

Denell Johnson will next be in court on October 30. Right now his bail is set at $200,000. The district attorney's office says that's something they're going to bring up when they're next in court.