Detroit police probing assault allegation against Farmington coach

Four high school coaches working in the Farmington School District have been removed from their positions following allegations that one of them was involved in improper conduct with student-athletes and the others failed to report the misconduct.

The school district confirmed the personnel moves on Tuesday. The Detroit Police Department also said its Special-Victims Unit is investigating because the alleged sexual-assault incidents occurred in Detroit.

"Last week, Farmington High School learned of an allegation of potential improper conduct between a non-(Farmington Public Schools) employee basketball coach and some players. We immediately terminated the coach and revoked his credentials to access our facilities," the school district said in a statement Tuesday.

The district said it worked with law enforcement and continued its own investigation, leading to additional disciplinary actions in the district's athletic department.

"During our administrative team’s internal investigation, we learned that three of the other coaches in our program (varsity and freshmen) had some knowledge of these interactions between the JV coach and studentathletes, and chose not to report them. As a result, they have been terminated as well."

The district emphasized in its statement that the "the other coaches are NOT accused of improper conduct with players; rather they did not meet the required threshold as mandatory reporters to ensure the safety and well-being of student athletes."

The district declined to answer questions about the investigation, including the identity of the coaches.

Detroit police confirmed their ongoing investigation Tuesday, but did not release the identities of any suspect.

"A Farmington Hills investigation recently revealed several allegations of sexual assaults involving minors perpetrated in the city of Detroit," Detroit police said in a statement Tuesday. "Since receiving this information, investigators assigned to the Special Victims Unit have conducted a number of forensic interviews and conducted careful analysis of physical evidence."

When the police investigation is complete, the department said, it will turn its findings over to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for its own review about possible criminal charges.