A volunteer associated with the Fallsburg Junior-Senior High School basketball program was arrested following accusations of sending inappropriate messages to students via text, Fallsburg Central School District Superintendent Dr. Ivan Katz confirmed.
In a statement addressed to parents and guardians, Dr. Katz emphasized that the district acted swiftly upon learning about the situation.
“I want to inform you that a volunteer basketball coach was relieved of his duties last week after it was discovered he had been privately messaging students. This behavior is inappropriate, not allowed, and directly violates district policy,” Dr. Katz stated.
Speaking with Radio Catskill, Dr. Katz explained that all district volunteers are subjected to the same rigorous background checks as employees, which include fingerprinting.
The individual in question, a 23-year-old male, had been volunteering with the team since December 2024. Upon becoming aware of the concerns, the district immediately severed ties with him and reported the matter to the Fallsburg Police Department, leading to his arrest on Thursday, February 20, 2025.
“From this point forward, the matter is in the hands of law enforcement, as we would not have access to further details,” Dr. Katz said. “We are cooperating closely with the police to address the situation.”
Fallsburg Police Chief Brendan Pavese confirmed to Radio Catskill, “We are working alongside the District Attorney’s Office and will be releasing a statement soon. The individual was taken into custody at the Fallsburg Police Department on 02/20/25. He was arraigned and released under the current bail reform laws, with instructions to appear in Fallsburg Justice Court on 02/20/25. The investigation remains ongoing.”
Dr. Katz urged anyone with additional information to step forward.
“There may be other students who were contacted but have not yet come forward. I strongly encourage any student, parent, or guardian who has received inappropriate messages, images, or requests to reach out to Junior-Senior High School Principal Shana Bruestle and the Fallsburg Police Department,” he said.
WHO???? Parents have a right to know.