Affton Athletic Association Lawsuit & Investigations

Former Affton Athletic Association umpire Zachary Barebo has been accused of sexually abusing a 16-year-old softball player in June 2023, an incident her family says contributed to her suicide at age 17. A St. Louis County grand jury indicted Barebo later that year on statutory sodomy and child molestation charges, but most were dismissed after the victim’s death, leaving only a harassment charge for which he received probation—later revoked, resulting in prison time. The girl’s family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Barebo and the Affton Athletic Association, alleging negligence and failure to prevent his contact with minors despite prior warning signs. The case is ongoing in St. Louis County Court.

The attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors are actively pursuing claims against Affton Athletic Association of Missouri. If you or a loved one has suffered sexual abuse, assault, or misconduct as a result of their umpires or other staff members, you may be eligible to recover compensation. Get started with your case by calling (800) 509-9747 or tell us what happened online – always 100% free and confidential.

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Affton Athletic Association Lawsuit Timeline

• December 2024 – Most criminal charges against Barebo (including statutory sodomy and child molestation) are dismissed following the survivors death. He pleads guilty to first-degree harassment and is sentenced to 5 years of probation, which is later revoked, leading to prison time.
• February 2024 – The 17-year-old alleged survivor’s death is ruled a suicide, which her family attributes to the abuse.
• November 2023 – A St. Louis County grand jury indicts Barebo on multiple charges of statutory sodomy and child molestation involving two victims, one being the teen at the center of the civil case.
• June 2023 – The alleged sexual abuse of a 16-year-old softball player occurs, reportedly while Barebo was serving as an umpire for the Affton Athletic Association.

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Get A Free Case Evaluation From Kayla’s Survivors

If you or a loved one has suffered abuse, assault, or sexual misconduct as a result of Affton Athletic, umpires, or other associated faculty, call (800) 509-9747 or request a free case evaluation online. Our attorneys are here to listen and provide support – 100% free and confidential.

The St. Louis sexual abuse attorneys at Kayla’s Survivors have helped recover over $1 billion for survivors and have held countless organizations accountable.

News Coverage

• KSDK. (Aug 22, 2025). 2nd family sues former Illinois softball ump, Affton Athletic over alleged abuse of underage daughter. https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/crime/st-louis-county-family-sues-former-softball-umpire-affton-athletic-allegations-of-abuse-underage/63-92e7fd06-77e8-4a82-b5ba-7f99dbf5fc6d
• KSDK. (Apr 14, 2025). Family sues Affton Athletic Association, former umpire over daughter’s suicide linked to sexual abuse. https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/crime/family-sues-affton-athletic-association-daughter-suicide-sexual-abuse/63-a9e33b42-42a4-48d1-96a0-16919e3d4ee5
• KMOV. (Apr 15, 2025). Family sues Affton Athletic Association, former umpire over daughter’s suicide. https://www.firstalert4.com/2025/04/16/family-sues-affton-athletic-association-former-umpire-over-daughters-suicide/
• St. Louis Post Dispatch. (Aug 22, 2025). 2nd teen sues Affton ump, athletic club over sexual assault. https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_012338be-f434-428c-8000-23db55b922d8.html