BishopAccountability.org

Former student on accused coach: 'Thank God he got caught'

By Josh Cascio
Fox 13
October 22, 2014

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/26856584/former-student-on-accused-coach-thank-god-he-got-caught


[with video]

CLEARWATER (FOX 13) -

Even 15 years can't erase the awful memories.

"Degrading, like I was powerless over it," recalled Jon.

Jon, who wanted his identity hidden, says he was 16 when he was caught smelling like cigarettes by his wrestling coach, Scott Stern at Pinellas Park High.

Stern allegedly offered not to tell Jon's mother -- if he followed his rules.

"He asked me to take off my underwear and hold a ruler over my head until arms wouldn't hold it anymore," Jon said. "I think it was for his own sexual fantasy, maybe for little boys."

Jon would eventually be forced to transfer schools, and a case he filed against Stern would later be dropped. He says the encounter still haunts him.

"It is definitely still there. The first reaction I saw was, 'Oh my God,'" he said.

That reaction came after learning of two new cases against Stern, now a wrestling coach at Clearwater Central Catholic.

In one from February, Stern is accused of making a 17-year-old strip naked, then grabbing him by the throat and groin while yelling at him. The other involves forcing another student to strip and slapping him on the rear.

"I think anybody can see this isn't discipline and there are serious sexual overtones to this," said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri.

The sheriff worries there may be other victims out there. He's asking them to come forward to be interviewed.

Meanwhile, Stern has resigned from the school. He's charged with two counts of simple battery and has already bonded out of jail.

We paid a visit to his apartment, where someone answered but wouldn't identify themselves.

For Jon, this arrest has been a long time coming.

"Thank God he got caught finally," he added. "It's like a weight off my shoulders."

 




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