Former Marple Newtown Swimmer Arrested and Charged For Sexual Relations With a Minor

WEST CHESTER–Rustin High School swim coach and former Marple Newtown High School swimmer Kenneth Fuller was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting an underage student on May16, according to the Chester County District Attorney's Office.

West Chester Area School District Superintendent Dr. Jim Scanlon said in a statement released Wednesday:

"I am very sorry to inform you that Rustin High School Boys and Girls Swimming Coach Ken Fuller was arrested this afternoon for allegations of committing Institutional Sexual Assault, Corruption of a Minor and related charges according to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office."

According to Chester County detectives, the 47-year-old West Goshen Township resident allegedly had sex with a minor female on at least three separate occasions between April 27 and May 5.

According to an affidavit released by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office Wednesday afternoon, Fuller allegedly first had sex with the victim on April 27 and then again on May 2 after posing as the victim’s father so that she could be released from the high school.

Fuller also allegedly provided the victim with alcohol on all three occasions where Fuller had sex with the victim, according to the district attorney's office.

Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon:

"This was a despicable violation of trust. Rule No. 1 for every high school teacher and coach is: Do not have sex with a student. Anybody who breaks this rule will be arrested, tried, lose any professional license, and eventually go to jail. The parents of Chester County trust teachers and coaches to protect children, not to endanger children."

According to the district's statement, Fuller had been employed with the district since the 2009-10 school year. The statement goes on to say that Fuller passed state and federal criminal history checks and child abuse history clearances.

Hogan added, "This defendant also coached other teams. If there  are any other victims, the parents should report the issue to the Chester County Detectives immediately."

Anybody with information should contact Chester County Detective Matthew Gordon at 610-344-6866. Deputy District Attorney Beth Pitts has been assigned to prosecute this matter.

Magisterial District Judge Daniel Maisano set Fuller's bail at $250,000. Fuller could not post bail and was sent to Chester County Prison where he awaits trial.

Read more about Fuller's preliminary hearing on West Chester Patch here.