Bethany Police Investigate Bethany Volunteer Coach

The Bethany Police Department is investigating a volunteer coach in the Bethany school district.

On August 17, police said they received a report concerning possible inappropriate conduct between a coach and a female student, while off school property.

“The police department is actively investigating the information and Bethany Public Schools is cooperating with the investigation,” Bethany police Deputy Chief John Reid said.

The coach is no longer working with the school district, according to Bethany Public Schools Superintendent Ken Shellenberger.

Shellenberger said the incident allegedly occurred over summer break at an off-campus location.

In response to our inquiry, the superintendent released the following statement on Tuesday afternoon:

“Bethany Public Schools administration has been alerted to a law enforcement investigation involving a former Bethany volunteer coach. Because this is currently a law enforcement matter, there is limited information that we have, that can be shared. However, we understand the investigation concerns an incident that is reported to have occurred over the summer break at an off-campus location. We also understand that the report concerns what would be considered unprofessional and inappropriate communication between the former volunteer coach and a Bethany student.

"Again, because of the ongoing nature of the investigation, as well as state and federal privacy laws, there is nothing more that we can share about this situation at this time. District officials are reviewing the details as they exist to determine if other action may be necessary at the District level. Further information will be reported as it becomes known."

Bethany police said no other information will be released until the investigation is complete.