By Kristin Rodin
PERRYTON, Texas (KFDA) – The Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office says they have arrested the Perryton High School athletic director on a warrant for sexual assault of a child.
The sheriff’s office confirmed Thursday morning that athletic director and head football coach Cole Underwood was arrested.
Ochiltree County Sheriff Terry Bouchard stated in a press release that Underwood is charged with having sexual intercourse with a Perryton High School student under the age of 17.
Perryton ISD Superintendent Greg Brown released a statement saying administration received a report on Sunday, April 21 that an employee may have engaged in improper conduct involving a student.
On Monday, April 22, after learning additional information, the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave and the District informed the Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office of the matter.
The statement says the employee has since resigned and is no longer associated with Perryton ISD.
“On Sunday, April 21, 2024, the Perryton ISD administration received a report that an employee may have engaged in improper conduct involving a student. The District immediately initiated an internal investigation. On Monday, April 22, 2024, after learning additional information, the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave and the District informed the Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office of the matter. A similar report was made to other authorities as required by law and District policy. It is the District’s understanding that law enforcement’s investigation into this matter is ongoing. As always, the school administration will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and any other investigating agency to the fullest extent possible under the law. The employee has since resigned and is no longer associated with Perryton ISD.
Student safety and proper professional boundaries between staff and students are top priorities for any school district. Perryton ISD is no different. We strictly enforce our policies relating to professional conduct, and our employees receive training regarding such policies and the District’s expectations concerning appropriate interactions with students and minors. We always encourage anyone with concerns about possible educator misconduct to immediately contact school administration or local law enforcement.
As educators, we understand curiosity, and we know that events like these spark interest. However, in accordance with state and federal law, and out of respect for
the privacy of the parties involved, we cannot disclose the confidential information of the persons involved or the details concerning this matter. Therefore, we won’t be able to comment further. We’re grateful for the understanding of our community.
Thank you for your continued support of the Perryton ISD and its students.”
Greg Brown, Perryton ISD Superintendent
Sheriff Bouchard said Underwood made bail, which was set at $125,000. A court date has not been set.
