Former coach accused in scandal

Sheriff’s detectives investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detectives are investigating allegations of inappropriate conduct by a former basketball coach who once worked at Trinity Classical Academy, a detective confirmed Friday.

Sheriff’s Department officials are looking into whether there might be additional victims, after an allegation of inappropriate touching involving a former student and former basketball coach was brought to their attention

Tuesday night, said Sgt. Brian Hudson of the Sheriff’s Department’s Special Victims Unit.

Trinity Classical Academy co-founder Wally Caddow said the individual was working as a private basketball coach in the area, as well, which he also conducted with students from other area schools, and the allegations did not involve the campus in any way.

Liz Caddow, Trinity’s Head of School and Wally Caddow’s wife, issued the following statement to parents once the school learned of the investigation:

“Dear Trinity Families, Trinity Classical Academy’s Administration has been made aware of an active investigation of a former employee, Varsity boys’ basketball coach. The allegations consist of inappropriate conduct with a former, now-adult student for incidents that occurred several years ago. The incidents did not occur within the confines of Trinity Classical Academy’s campus, nor in the employee’s official employment capacity, but occurred with a student who participated in private training with this individual. His employment status at Trinity Classical Academy ended in 2016.

“For the protection of this student, their family and our school community, please pray for this situation. Also be mindful of your discussions and please refrain from any discussion/posting ... on social media. Please direct any questions directly to me.”

The coach in question was let go by Trinity back in 2016, due to unrelated circumstances, according to Hudson. The situation is under investigation, and no arrests have been made, he said.

“It’s still an active investigation. It’s still in the early stages,” Hudson said. “Trinity has been extremely cooperative with us... We still have a lot of people to talk to.”

Hudson could not release any additional details Friday, but confirmed the allegations involved more than one incident, and confirmed that none of the allegations are suspected to have occurred on the school’s campus in Valencia.

“The only correlation to Trinity is he was a basketball coach,” Hudson said, adding he wasn’t releasing any additional information at this time.