KOKOMO, Ind. — A Taylor High School basketball coach has been charged for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a teenage student.
The Howard County Sheriff's Office announced Randy "Scott" Sullivan, 49, of Kokomo, was arrested Thursday, Oct. 3 after he surrendered to police on charges including sexual battery, child solicitation and dissemination of matter harmful to minors.
Deputies initially responded to a report of a disturbance on Sept. 24, where several adults had gathered to confront Sullivan about inappropriate photos and videos that were sent to their 15-year-old daughter, who is a freshman at the high school.
The next day, detectives discovered "several grossly inappropriate text messages, pictures and video" on the victim's phone. Investigators later confirmed several of the photos and videos "clearly originated from inside the house where Scott lives." Also, the phone number used belonged to a phone registered to Sullivan.
On Sept. 26, detectives said an interview with the victim made it clear that the teenager had been groomed for a long period of time by a trusted adult. Investigators tried to arrange an interview with Sullivan, but he declined.
According to court documents, the victim told detectives that Sullivan constantly tried to grab her and touch her, kiss her and continually told her how pretty she was.
The victim said she was worried for Sullivan's safety, as he allegedly told her multiple times that he was going to kill himself if anyone found out about what was happening.
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The girl's family told 13News they found out about the alleged relationship after going through her phone, something Kristina Korobov, senior attorney for the Zero Abuse Project, recommends all parents do from time to time.
As for what else parents can do, Korobov suggests setting boundaries with people and asking questions.
At some point after the investigation began, detectives learned Sullivan had left home in his vehicle and had not been seen by friends and family for 1 1/2 days. When he returned, a note was found in his vehicle, apologizing to friends, family and the victim.
In a statement issued Sept. 27, Taylor Community School Corporation Supt. Steve Dishon said Sullivan was placed on leave from his duties as a coach and groundskeeper with the district once the initial accusations were learned. As more facts were uncovered, Dishon said Sullivan was terminated from his job and banned from school property or any events involving Taylor students.
"We are cooperating fully with the police investigation as the safety and security of our students is always our priority," Dishon said in the statement. "These accusations are deeply disturbing and we encourage parents to take the time to discuss with your children how to recognize grooming behavior and to report anything that makes them uncomfortable to a trusted adult."
An arrest warrant was issued for Sullivan on Oct. 3. He turned himself in to police later in the day and is being held at the Howard County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
According to court documents, a Howard County sheriff's detective said, "the suspect used his authority as coach to sexually exploit a 15-year-old girl, who went from a standout student and athlete, to now failing grades and emotionally upset and confused."
Police ask anyone with information about the case to contact Howard County Sheriff's Office Det. Waymore at 765-614-3463.