ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — Charges have been filed against an assistant basketball coach at Sto-Rox High School who is accused of sending inappropriate messages to at least one student, authorities said.
William Griffin III is facing two counts of harassment.
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Channel 11 News learned earlier this month that Sto-Rox School District Superintendent Terry DeCarbo had suspended Griffin, the girls’ basketball team’s assistant coach.
DeCarbo issued the following statement to Channel 11 News Thursday:
"While the Sto-Rox School District is sad that this situation occurred, we are pleased to see that a through and complete investigation has been conducted by the Allegheny County Detectives.
"One of our main priorities is to construct an environment where students feel safe and can learn to their fullest potential. It is for this reason that swift action was taken in this or any situation that compromises the safety and well-being of our entire school community."
According to police paperwork, the situation began on Jan. 13 when the friend of a Sto-Rox student posted a wall message on Facebook about “Woman Crush Wednesday.” The student responded, which Griffin saw and commented.
Police said Griffin made inappropriate comments about sharing the student’s girlfriend. The post was later deleted.
Stowe Township police met with the 15-year-old girl at the center of the post two day later. She told officers that Griffin grabbed her more than once at basketball practice and that she told him to stop, the criminal complaint stated.
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