PITTSBURGH — The girls varsity basketball coach at Pine-Richland High School was arrested Friday on charges of institutional sexual assault and corruption of minors.
According to Northern Regional Police, 33-year-old Cliff Foster is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a 16-year-old female student, who was a member of a traveling basketball league Foster had been affiliated with.
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The sexual encounters spanned most of the summer, starting in April, and allegedly happening while Foster and the 16-year-old were out of town, Channel 11's Joe Holden reported. The latest alleged molestation happened this past weekend.
While waiting to be arraigned, the now suspended coach acknowledged to Holden that the allegations against him were true.
"I was dumb one night. We had traveled different cities for basketball tournaments," said Foster. "I had a good story up until today."
Earlier, when leaving the police department, Foster said, "No comment at the time, except for an apology to my family. You don't do this to people you love."
Foster said he is married with children and that he ruined his life.
Another travel league coach reported the relationship, according to police.
"Apparently, this other coach had some girls come to him to report some feelings they had with what was going on with our victim and Cliff Foster," said Northern Regional Police Department Chief Robert Amann.
Police said their investigation has only started.
"We're in the process now of looking out there to see if there's any other victims, which may be developed through this investigation," said Amann.
Pine-Richland School District superintendent Brian Miller sent the following letter to staff, parents and the community:
"This communication will address a serious matter currently under investigation in the district. The decision to share these details with you reflects our genuine desire to balance the privacy rights of individuals and the confidential nature of the situation with the need for public awareness of serious matters."<br/><br/>"Yesterday, the district became aware of a report filed with the Department of Human Services Office of Children Youth and Families (CYF). Local law enforcement, CYF and the district are conducting investigations. The complaint involves a high school student and an individual employed solely as a coach. While we cannot discuss personnel matters and also want to protect the student and family to the greatest extent possible, we wanted to inform you of this situation. The district is shocked by the nature of the allegations. The district has issued an immediate suspension of the coach pending the outcome of the investigation. At this time, we believe this to be an isolated case. However, if you have any information, please contact the Northern Regional Police Department's tip line at (724) 449-TIPS.<br/><br/>"We strongly value the importance of ethical behavior and the responsibility of working with young people. We cannot emphasize enough the district's priority of providing a safe and secure environment for all."<br/><br/>Respectfully, <br/>Brian R. Miller, Ed.D.<br/>Superintendent of Schools"
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