Police issue arrest warrant for coach
Police report Rome High’s Bryan Aspera is accused of having sex with a minor female student.
Rome police said Rome High head wrestling coach Bryan Aspera is expected to turn himself in this morning after being accused of having sex with a minor female student.
The Rome Police Department became aware earlier this year of a possible inappropriate relationship, according to a news release sent out Thursday night by Lt. Joe Costolnick, who said an arrest warrant has been issued.
Aspera, a history teacher and wrestling coach, had a sexual relationship with a female student who was a minor at the time, according to the news release.
The relationship occurred during the 20112013 school years while the now former student was enrolled at the school, police reported.
The investigation was initiated after the girl notified authorities, Assistant Chief Debbie Burnett said.
Rome City Schools Superintendent Lou Byars told a Rome News-Tribune reporter he could not comment on the case because it is a personnel matter.
Board member Faith Collins said police were at the school Thursday morning but said she also could not comment because it is a personnel matter.
Aspera was named head wrestling coach in 2012. A person who identified himself as Aspera hung up when called by the Rome News-Tribune on Thursday evening.
The investigation is still ongoing and police are asking anyone with information to contact the Rome Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 706238-5122.