BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — A former California State University, Bakersfield assistant men’s basketball coach accused of trafficking a woman across multiple states is scheduled to return to court for a May 15 readiness hearing, according to Kern County court records.
PREVIOUS REPORTING: CSUB assistant coach arrested for trafficking woman across 3 states after anonymous tip
Kevin Mays is accused in a case that dates back to Sept. 3, 2025, when Bakersfield police officers were notified of a pimping and pandering investigation involving Mays. The Kern County District Attorney’s Office said officers worked with the Sacramento Police Department to safely locate the confidential victim and gather evidence.
Bakersfield police said an anonymous tip alleged a woman was being trafficked across California, Oregon and Washington by Mays. He was later arrested.
In November 2025, Eyewitness News obtained court documents detailing how an anonymous email sent to Rod Barnes, the former head coach of the CSUB men’s basketball team, led to Mays’ arrest.
A Sacramento Police report included in the documents said the victim engaged in prostitution in Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, and locations in Oregon, and that she relied on online advertisements. The report said the victim began engaging in prostitution when she was 18. The report also said the victim identified Mays as her boyfriend for about four months.
Kevin Mays in court on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. PHOTO: KBAK/KBFX
Mays also faces two felony counts of possession of child pornography, with enhancements for possessing more than 600 images, in addition to his initial 11 charges.
According to court documents, child sexual abuse material was found on Mays’ iPhone on Sept. 10, 2025, during the human trafficking investigation.
RELATED: DOCS: CSUB coach’s phone had child porn files with minors as young as approx. 4 years old
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Mays has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A pending trial date is set for May 26.