FLORIDA
Tampa Bay Times
Colleen Wright, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, September 22, 2016
A Clearwater Central Catholic High alumnus is suing his alma mater and former wrestling coach, alleging he suffered two years of physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the school.
A complaint in Pinellas County Circuit Court details how Scott E. Stern, the school’s wrestling coach from 2003 to 2014, was also assigned to monitor at-risk students with known or perceived drug or addiction problems without proper training or experience.
The plaintiff, identified as John Doe, was a member of the school’s wrestling team in 2013 when, according to the lawsuit, Stern began using physical harm and threatening to tell others the student was using illegal drugs. The suit alleges that, for two years, Stern required and “taught” the student to assume sexual positions and simulate sexual activities “for Coach Stern to observe, critique and salaciously enjoy.”
Jason Whittemore, an attorney representing the plaintiff, said the sensitive nature of the case contributed to a delay in filing the lawsuit. The plaintiff graduated from the school in 2014; the action was filed Sept. 9.
“It’s a decision that had to be made on his end, and one he decided to move forward with,” Whittemore said. The former student is seeking $15,000 for negligence on the part of the school and Stern, and intentional wrongful conduct by Stern.
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