Mother Lodges Complaint

POLICE: NO EVIDENCE OF CRIMINAL INTENT

FARMINGTON — An investigation into a complaint from a mother that a Farmington coach used inappropriate behavior toward her daughter found no evidence of a criminal act or evidence of criminal intent, according to a report from the Farmington Police Department.

“If at all at any point in time, I figured there was wrongdoing, I’d be the first one to pursue charges,” said Sgt. Mike Wilbanks. “It was painfully evident, there was no wrongdoing at all.”

According to the police report, Niki White stated she was concerned about an incident involving her 15year-old daughter at school on Feb. 8.

Wilbanks said the girl gave two written statements. In these statements, the student said she was called into a room by the coach, who was clothed and sitting in an ice trough. She stated the coach asked her to turn off the water to the trough. She turned off the water and while walking out of the room, the coach “asked her if she wanted to get in the ice trough after he got out.” She wrote that she told him no and then he asked, “if she was sure,” and she stated she replied, “no I’m good” and then left the room.

According to the police report, Wilbanks interviewed the coach and the coach indicated he had run five miles that morning and was wearing a T-shirt and shorts in the ice trough for cold treatment for his muscles. The coach said he was already in the trough when he realized he left the water running.

The faucet was out of arms reach and the coach told Wilbanks that he called to someone walking past the open door to help him. The coach said he did not know the female student and the police report says that the coach told the girl “thank you” and “it is very cold in here.” He stated that he then “in a laughing manner,” told her she was welcome to get in the cold water after he got out.

The report states that no further investigation was warranted and that neither party alleged criminal wrongdoing nor was there evidence to support the complaint being a criminal matter.

Farmington school Superintendent Bryan Law on Friday said he could not comment on the complaint because it was of a personnel matter.

“We investigate things when we hear about it and look into it obviously to make sure everything is run in a proper manner,” Law said.