Former Booker High football coach Carlos Woods is under a criminal investigation, the Sarasota Police Department confirmed, but could not provide any details.
“We have an active criminal investigation involving Mr. Woods for allegations we received from an outside agency," the SPD sent in a email. "The investigation is active and ongoing. At this time, this criminal investigation involving Mr. Woods does not involve any harm or wrongdoings toward any students."
The Herald-Tribune filed a public information request with SPD for any complaints or investigation materials related to Woods on July 30, but was told, "there's nothing in our system with his name on it."
Woods was removed as Booker's athletic director and head football coach on July 16
with no reason given by the Sarasota School District. Woods ledthe Tornadoes to a 12-2 record and a state semifinal appearance in his only season as head coach. He was an assistant coach under Scottie Littles the previous three seasons.
Woods denied that he is involved in any criminal investigation in a statement posted to his Facebook page.
"I am not the subject of any active criminal investigation," Woods wrote, adding later, "I have always been willing to answer questions honestly and transparently, and I remain committed to protecting my reputation and the truth."
Woods is still employed, while also being under investigation due to an active complaint, according to information provided by Sarasota County Schools. Since he is an employee, information about the complaint and investigation are confidential until the investigation is concluded or until he is no longer employed by the school district.
Booker announced on July 29 the hiring of Lance Hoeltke as head coach to replace Woods and previously promoted assistant athletic director Angie Byrd to replace Woods in leading the Tornadoes' athletic program.
Woods' past troubles
Woods ran into trouble in two past college jobs.
In 2017, as an assistant coach at Gavilan College's football team, Woods was placed on leave and then resigned after 17 players shared a three-bedroom house and received impermissible housing and dining benefits, according to San Jose Inside. Gavilan College self-imposed sanctions due to recruiting and benefits violations and enforced a two-year postseason ban and three-year probation for football.
In 2019, Woods was placed on administrative leave at Pierce College in Los Angeles, according to The Roundup. It's alleged that Woods convinced 30 players to live in a three-bedroom apartment, collecting rent from the athletes but not paying it to the landlord. The players received eviction notices. Due to the conditions, four players lived in the school's locker room while one was homeless, according to Business Insider. Woods was also accused of recruiting out-of-state players — prohibited at the time by the California Community College Athletic Association — and allowed them to compete.
What does Booker's roster look like for 2026?
Despite official practices beginning on Monday, July 27, Booker has not held a practice yet and likely will not until the first week of August at the earliest, according to the school's athletic office.
Since Woods' dismissal, at least 21 players have transferred from Booker to surrounding schools. Before the mass exodus, Booker scheduled challenging opponents for its 2026 season, including Valdosta, a 24-time state champion in Georgia on Friday, October 2. Valdosta's athletic office told the Herald-Tribune that its game against Booker is pending and the teams are discussing whether the game can be played.
The Tornadoes also have a road game against St. John's College High School in Washington, DC, on their schedule for Sept. 19. St. John's is a 13-time Washington Catholic Athletic Conference champion. Cadets head coach Terrence Byrd wrote in an email to the Herald-Tribune that he was unaware of any changes at Booker.
Under the FHSAA handbook, Florida schools sign contracts agreeing to play each other ahead of the season, so area teams cannot reschedule another opponent in Booker's place. If Booker does not have 11 eligible players, then the program would perform a "safety forfeit," possibly making Booker financially responsible, including tickets, concessions, officials and security costs. There also could be financial penalties for mandatory forfeits forced by the FHSAA.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Is former Booker football coach Carlos Woods under criminal investigation?
