Charges have been filed against a former high school wrestling coach who was fired from Mohonasen High School in Rotterdam, N.Y., last week after he allegedly hit a 14-year-old student.
The Rotterdam Police Department shared the news on Facebook post on Tuesday.
Terry Lawson, 65, of Rotterdam, faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, and 2nd degree harassment, a misdemeanor.
The alleged incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, January 15, during a team practice.
Lawson allegedly punched the female wrestler in the face after she touched his chin to get his attention.
It was caught on school surveillance video, which was then reviewed by Superintendent Shannon Shine. He fired the coach the next morning.
She spoke with the girl’s mother, Desire Rostocki News channel 13 about the incident after viewing the footage. “She did it once and I think she did it a second time and instead of her reaction being that maybe he hit her hand, he punched her right in the face and then started pointing at her face and swearing at her.”
A student also spoke to the outlet, saying: “I was like, ‘What just happened?’ It was so fast and I was scared.” No injuries were reported.
Superintendent Shine told the paper at the time that his decision to terminate Lawson was simple, adding: “Some things are clear.”
Lawson is scheduled to appear in municipal court at a later date to answer to the charges.
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