Police: Allegations against coach unfounded

No criminal charges are being sought against Lake Catholic swim coach

Sexual misconduct allegations against a Lake Catholic swim coach are unfounded, Mentor police said.

Sexual misconduct allegations against a Lake Catholic swim coach are unfounded, Mentor police said.

A Feb. 14 news release from the city stated Mentor police were made aware Feb.. 10 of allegations involving an unnamed Lake Catholic High school coach engaging in sexual conduct with a student during the current school year.

“The Mentor Detective Bureau conducted a thorough investigation into these allegations and determined they were unfounded,” the release stated.

No criminal charges are being sought against any parties involved, the release further stated.

The administration at the Mentor school learned about the allegations on Feb. 7, according to a Feb. 9 statement from the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland.

The coach was placed on administrative leave.

In a Feb. 14 statement, the Diocese stated they are relieved “no children suffered the harms described in the initial allegations.”

“The administration of Lake Catholic High School sincerely appreciates the efforts of the Mentor Police Department and Children’s Services who took swift action, completed a thorough investigation and provided guidance in this matter,” the statement read.

“Lake Catholic High School and the Diocese of Cleveland take every allegation of sexual misconduct seriously as the safety of children is of the utmost importance.”

A Diocese spokesperson said in a follow-up email Feb. 14 that “as a result of the conclusion of the investigation, the coach’s suspension has been lifted.”