Police say a 32-year-old former teacher and club volleyball coach faces a third-degree felony child grooming charge.
MESQUITE, TX — A former Mesquite teacher and club volleyball coach was arrested Dec. 10 after police say they found an AI-generated document that outlined step-by-step tactics to manipulate a teenage girl. The arrest followed an October report to police and a search of the coach’s electronic devices.
Investigators say the case centers on a 17-year-old who met the coach through church and later joined his club team. An arrest affidavit describes a months-long pattern of personal messages and escalating contact in 2025, with earlier outreach that began after the coach met the teen at a 2023 family event. Detectives reported finding a file on the coach’s iPad titled “Hypothetical Counter-Influence Plan,” which laid out phases for controlling the relationship. The former coach, identified by police as Matthan Lough, 32, is charged with child grooming, a third-degree felony under Texas law. The case remains active as authorities review digital evidence and witness statements.
Police records describe a timeline that spans church events, team tryouts, and off-site meetings. According to the affidavit, the teen first encountered Lough in spring 2023 at a cousin’s graduation party where he discussed forming a club volleyball team. Tryouts took place in fall 2024, and she later earned a roster spot. Over the following months, the affidavit says Lough shared personal details about his marriage and began making flirtatious remarks. By summer 2025, messages had turned explicit. In September, the document recounts three encounters that investigators say crossed into criminal conduct at a church facility and in separate parking lots in Mesquite and nearby Forney. The teen told police she feared Lough, noting he carried a firearm and talked about violent scenarios. “Once artificial intelligence became accessible to the public, we criminologists began to be concerned,” criminologist Alex del Carmen said in an interview about the broader risks.
Detectives say they obtained a warrant in October after the teen’s mother discovered messages on her daughter’s devices and contacted police. During the search of Lough’s iPad, officers reported locating the AI text labeled “Hypothetical Counter-Influence Plan,” which outlined phases such as “Stabilize and strengthen her,” “Plant gentle doubts,” “Rebuild her autonomy,” “Shift the power dynamic,” and “Let her choose.” Investigators listed the document as evidence connected to the case. The affidavit also notes the teen participated in a club called Mesquite Dynasty Volleyball Club, which disbanded in late September. Lough had been a teacher and coach at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy in Mesquite. The church named in the affidavit is the Christian Center of Mesquite in the 4400 block of East Cartwright Road. Police say parts of the alleged grooming occurred on church property.
The affidavit says the teen’s mother informed Lough’s wife after finding the messages. Court filings show Lough’s wife later left Texas and filed for divorce in October. The Christian Center of Mesquite said Lough did not work for the church and acknowledged the allegations may have involved its facilities. The church’s board said it launched an internal review of youth policies, volunteer screening, and access logs following the report. Lough’s father, Kevin Lough, resigned as senior pastor on Nov. 23. Police say the club team’s activities ceased as the criminal investigation moved forward. Officials have not released any additional victims or suspects in connection with this case, and the affidavit does not list other targets of the inquiry.
Child grooming is a third-degree felony in Texas, punishable by two to 10 years in prison if convicted. Mesquite police arrested Lough on Dec. 10 and booked him on the single count listed in the affidavit. The case will proceed through the county’s charging and court scheduling process, which typically includes a formal filing decision by prosecutors, an initial court appearance, and any bond conditions ordered by a judge. Police say they continue to review digital evidence gathered during the search and could submit supplemental reports as forensic analysis is completed. Authorities have not announced a court date. Any further charges would come from prosecutors after they evaluate the case file and the evidence logged by investigators.
Neighbors and churchgoers described a shaken community. Outside the Christian Center of Mesquite, families stopped to read posted statements about the internal review and the senior pastor’s resignation. “We are heartbroken for the young person and praying for accountability,” a congregant said while leaving the parking lot Monday evening. Parents from the disbanded club team said they were coordinating rides and checking on former teammates. A nearby business owner said police cars were a familiar sight during the early stages of the investigation and that customers often asked whether the building remained open during youth events. At the charter school where Lough worked, students said administrators reminded them of reporting protocols and brought in additional counselors.
As of Tuesday, police say the investigation remains open and focused on events from 2023 through September 2025. Prosecutors are expected to make charging decisions after reviewing the affidavit and evidence package. Officials said any scheduling updates would be posted in court records and announced by the district attorney’s office.
Author note: Last updated December 16, 2025.