KOKOMO, Ind. — A longtime Taylor High School coach has been charged for allegedly having sex with a teenage student and sending the 15-year-old girl inappropriate messages and photos.
The Howard County Sheriff's Office announced Randy "Scott" Sullivan, 49, was arrested Thursday, Oct. 3 after he surrendered to police on charges including sexual battery, child solicitation and dissemination of matter harmful to minors.
(NOTE: The video in the player above is a previous story about this investigation.)
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.
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.
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 trespassed from school property or event 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.
Police ask anyone with information about the case contact Howard County Sheriff's Office Det. Waymore at 765-614-3463.