Police: Coach accused of rape may be linked to more cases
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- The Fayetteville Police Department said Tuesday that it has been inundated with phone calls after the arrest of a former assistant basketball coach at Pine Forest High School.
POLICE HOTLINE: (910) 433-1163
Rodney Scott is charged with two counts of statutory rape of a boy younger than 15.
Detectives said since the arrest was announced, they have gotten dozens of calls from other alleged victims and the relatives of alleged victims.
They are investigating the new allegations. Scott has yet to be charged in any other cases - some of which allegedly go back as much as 20 years.
Police say it was the mother of the victim who helped break this case wide open.
"She knew the second he walked in the door, just on his actions, and what he was saying and wasn't saying," said John Somerindyke with the Fayetteville Police. "She knew something was wrong. She pressed him until she found out what happened. She did what any good mother should do. She engaged with her child and talked to him everyday."
The alleged victims are male and female. There have been so many calls that four detectives have been assigned to the case.
Detectives with Fayetteville's Youth Services Unit arrested Scott Monday after getting a report of a sexual assault. Police were called to the hospital by doctors who examined the victim Sunday night. Scott and the alleged victim were known to each other.
Police say the alleged assault happened at Scott's home.
Cumberland County Schools said the Monday arrest did not involve Scott's work with the district.
He was employed with the district from 1997 to 2010 as a substitute teacher and teaching assistant. Then he worked as a Safe Schools Coordinator at Pine Forest from 2011 to 2013. He served as a volunteer coach until this past January.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim, or anyone who knows someone they believe has been the victim of a sexual assault, or any crime, involving Rodney Scott is asked to contact the Fayetteville Police Department at (910) 433-1163. This dedicated phone line will be staffed Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Callers may leave a voicemail message with their name and phone number after hours for follow up during the next business day.
