WINTHROP, Mass. — A high school basketball coach is under investigation amid allegations he had an inappropriate relationship with a student.
The coach is also a full-time police officer, FOX25 has learned.
Winthrop’s police chief says Ignacio Oyola remains on the job he has held for nearly two decades.
The district attorney’s office has taken over the investigation and Oyola’s future with Winthrop public schools is in jeopardy.
Winthrop Police Chief Terence Delehanty says his office received a disturbing report in February.
“There was inappropriate conduct between a basketball player and a basketball coach,” Chief Delehanty said of the report.
Once Chief Delehanty realized the coach was one of his officers, he referred the investigation to the DA. But he says officer Oyola, who has a strong record of good conduct with the department, remains on the job.
“At this point in the investigation, we can say that there is no criminality to this officer slash basketball coach's conduct,” Chief Delehanty said.
But when FOX25 went to district officials to ask what made the conduct inappropriate, the superintendent refused to answer any questions, citing a personnel matter.
“That's ridiculous,” parent Shannon Desauliners said. “They should tell something like that.”
Many parents were shocked by the news, telling us they wish school officials had notified them about the investigation.
“Hopefully they get to the bottom of it, you know?” parent Brett Baurle said. “I think every parent would be concerned now.”
Chief Delehanty told FOX25 they will continue the investigation if any new information comes to light.
It's unclear if Officer Oyola has retained his position with the boys’ varsity basketball team.
Cox Media Group
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