North Andover Wrestling Coach Arrested For Child Porn
NORTH ANDOVER (CBS) - The long-time wrestling coach at North Andover High School is under arrest on child pornography charges.
Police arrested David Castricone Monday morning at his roofing company on Sutton Street and charged with child pornography possession following a tip that triggered a police search of his home on Friday.
"Listen, I understand the public's concern. It's a parent's worst nightmare to hear these kinds of stories," said Chief Richard Stanley of the North Andover Police Department.
The veteran coach holds the New England high school record for career wins, with more than 600 over almost four decades of coaching.
WBZ-TV's Ken MacLeod reports.
Twenty-five of those years were at North Andover High, where stunned wrestling parents summoned to a meeting with the superintendent on Monday night declined to speak.
"So I think we're going to get through this fine. Right now, it's a very troubling time," said Christopher Hottel, the school superintendent.
Upon his arrest, Castricone resigned his coaching post citing health and personal reasons.
For now, police will not elaborate on the evidence seized, but a law enforcement source said the porn involves young girls.
"He's well-known in the community and well-respected. He's a businessman as well as having this coaching over many years and very successful," said Chief Stanley.
With an assistant coach now at the helm, varsity wrestlers will face Natick on Wednesday for the Division 2 state championship.
The police chief describes the investigation as being in its infancy.
"We'll leave no stone unturned to make sure that we found out exactly what he's been up to," said Chief Stanley.
Casticone did not teach at the school, he was just a coach.
His arraignment is set for Tuesday morning in Lawrence, and the chief said there will likely be more disturbing specifics about the evidence announced then.
For the record, there are reportedly two female wrestlers in the North Andover program.
