2024-04-21
Perryton Athletic Director, football coach arrested for sexual assault of a child
PERRYTON, Texas (KVII) — Perryton Athletic Director and football coach Cole Underwood was arrested for sexual assault of a child.
Ochiltree County Sheriff Terry Bouchard told ABC 7 News Underwood, 29, is accused of having sex with a Perryton High School student who is under the age of 17.
He was arrested by the Sheriff's Office today.
Underwood was removed from Perryton ISD's website.
On Wednesday, the district posted an opening for Director of Athletics/Head Football Coach.
ABC 7 News contacted the district for a statement. We'll let you know when Superintendent Greg Brown responds.
Underwood is a 2013 Perryton graduate. He was promoted from offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in May.
The first-time head coach spent five years as a wide receivers coach at Amarillo High before becoming Perryton's offensive coordinator in 2022.
Superintendent Greg Brown's Full Statement
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
Underwood is a 2013 Perryton graduate. He was promoted from offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in May.
The first-time head coach spent five years as a wide receivers coach at Amarillo High before becoming Perryton's offensive coordinator in 2022.