A basketball coach in Massachusetts is facing allegations of raping a student under his care and providing her with alcohol. The coach, Scott Marino, who is 54, appeared in Woburn District Court on Thursday, where prosecutors detailed an incident involving an 18-year-old girl. Allegedly, he assaulted her at his home after she consumed a margarita and a shot of tequila.
Marino is the head coach of the girls’ basketball team at Malden High School and also teaches at Linden School, where he instructs students from kindergarten through eighth grade. At the time of the incident, the girl was living with Marino and his wife in a foster care capacity.
Reports indicate that the victim and Marino attended Ash Wednesday Mass together, then went to Boston for dinner, purchasing seafood and drinks. Upon returning to his home in Stoneham, Marino is said to have offered the girl additional alcoholic beverages, even after she expressed that she didn’t like them. As the situation escalated, she began experiencing stomach pains and later went into a room to lie down, where prosecutors claim he assaulted her.
After the alleged assault, the victim managed to contact her friend and aunt via her cellphone. Her aunt arrived at the residence, prompting the young woman to flee the house. She was then taken to a hospital for evaluation regarding the sexual assault.
In court, Marino’s attorney highlighted that he has no prior criminal history and is not currently teaching. The defense pointed out his long-standing involvement in the community as both a teacher and a coach.
Prosecutor Jacob McCrindle, however, emphasized the troubling power dynamics at play. Marino acted as a foster parent to the victim, placing himself in a position of trust that makes the allegations particularly serious. McCrindle noted the significance of Marino’s role as an educator and coach, who had been on the girl’s life for many years.
An anonymous former player from Marino’s basketball team expressed disbelief at the allegations, mentioning how shocked she was given her positive experiences with him over four years. After the hearing, Marino was released on $75,000 bail and placed on administrative leave from his position at Malden Public Schools.
Malden Public Schools has stated that they are cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation and expressed concern over the impact of the allegations on the community. The superintendent underscored the importance of student safety amidst the unfolding situation.
