Chester high school baseball coach facing sexual assault charges involving minors
CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) -- A 57-year-old high school teacher and baseball coach in Delaware County is facing sexual assault charges involving minors, the Pennsylvania State Police said Tuesday.
State police said Daniel Waters, of Glen Mills, is charged with indecent sexual contact with minors, corruption of minors, and endangering the welfare of children, among others.
"He used that position of power to get to know a couple of kids on the team. And then he abused them," Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said.
According to state police, the investigation involves students and baseball players. Stollsteimer said they have two victims at the moment and warned there could be more.
Waters teaches high school and coaches baseball in Chester, state police said.
Chester Upland School District lists Waters as a teacher at Chester High School.
Stollsteimer said police were tipped off by a concerned mother who reportedly tried to confront Waters about her suspicions.
Through the investigation, authorities say Waters also supplied the teens with alcohol, marijuana and even a gun.
"He purchased a firearm and gave it to one of the juveniles, so he put a dangerous firearm on the street," Stollsteimer said.
"Usually in a case like this where an adult is using their position of power as a baseball coach or a teacher to have access to children, usually there can be more than one victim," he added.
School officials say they will review Waters' employment status after the summer recess and pending the outcome of the investigation.
The school district said in a statement:
"Chester Upland School District officials are stunned to learn that one of our high school teachers allegedly had an inappropriate relationship with a student. We share in the shock and disappointment that this news brings to the public, especially to our staff, students, and Chester community.
CUSD officials only recently became aware of this incident when we were contacted by the Delaware County Criminal Investigation Division and the Chester Police Department (CPD). Since then, we have been actively cooperating with CPD and the Pennsylvania State Police during their ongoing joint investigation. Our priority is to provide the necessary support to local and state law enforcement and ensure a comprehensive investigation takes place.
The behavior alleged in this incident is completely unacceptable and contradicts the values and expectations we uphold within our school district. Safeguarding the well-being of our students is our top priority.
We know that this incident may raise serious concerns among parents, families, and CUSD stakeholders. We will be providing support to our staff and families, and encourage anyone who has questions to reach out to a school administrator.
As the investigation remains ongoing, we will continue to actively cooperate with authorities, providing any necessary assistance, and taking appropriate actions based on the information as it unfolds.
We will disseminate important updates as soon as they are appropriate and in line with the investigation's progress.
This is a troubling incident that will take a collaborative effort to navigate through. We would like to thank CUSD personnel and families for being patient as the investigation process unfolds.
We remain committed to upholding our responsibilities, fostering a safe and conducive learning environment, and ensuring the well-being of our students."
Investigators are asking for additional victims or witnesses to contact them at 484-840-1000.