Moore Basketball Coach Under Investigation Over Sexual Allegations

A Moore basketball coach is under investigation over sexual allegations involving students.

At least three girls have claimed he inappropriately touched them before his supplemental coaching contract at Brink Junior High recently ended with Moore Public Schools.

The coach is also a P.E. teacher with Oklahoma City Public Schools.

A Brink female student said the coach touched her while at a basketball game last week at Central Junior High. The game was between Central and Brink Junior Highs.

According to the police report, the 14-year-old girl said the coach "came up behind her, placed his arm around her and then placed his hand on her breast."

She said "he kept her in an embrace for a longer period of time" after she had turned toward him.

The girl said the coach approached her later and once again "placed her in an embrace."

"There were several witnesses to this; it wasn't in a backroom-type thing," said Moore Police Sgt. Jeremy Lewis. "This was...several people observed the incident."

The police report stated another female student came forward and claimed the same coach held her hand and put his hand on her thigh.

The girl's mother reported seeing the coach rub her daughter's shoulders after police contacted her.

The report said a third female student claimed the coach rubbed her belly, then grabbed her buttocks with his hand.

Moore Police are still investigating.

"I know parents are quick to jump as 'we've got to get this person,' but we've also got to make sure it's a legit allegation and that we're not going to ruin someone's career," Sgt. Lewis explained.

Oklahoma City police are also investigating, since Moore's Brink Junior High is actually in Oklahoma City city limits.

Police have not made any arrests and are not releasing the coach's name.

A spokesperson for Moore Public Schools said the district is sending letters home with students explaining that the coach's contract ended with MPS at the conclusion of the basketball season, and he is no longer with the district.

Oklahoma City Public Schools Spokesperson Tierney Tinnin said the district has placed him on administrative leave from his P.E. teaching position.

"The Oklahoma City Public School administration is aware of an allegation of inappropriate conduct involving a physical education teacher in our district. Due to the seriousness of the allegations, the teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave as local law enforcement agencies conduct their investigation. The allegation is in direct violation of the expectations we have for our staff and we are cooperating fully with the police department in this investigation," Tinnin said.