State Police say a Wayland man who worked as an athletic trainer at two area schools is facing several sexual assault charges, including one rape charge.
Austin J. Pratt, 30, was charged with third-degree rape and third-degree criminal sex act. Both are felonies, according to Troopers, who say that he was also charged with misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child.
Pratt worked for UR Medicine Thompson Health as an athletic trainer beginning in 2015, according to a spokesperson UR Medicine Thompson Health. He primarily worked at F.F. Thompson’s Rehabilitation Services center.
He was also contracted out as an athletic trainer at the Geneseo Central School District and Bloomfield Central School District.
A spokesperson for UR Medicine Thompson Health said he was fired upon his arrest. “At this time, we have no reason to believe Pratt was involved in other instances of inappropriate behavior,” they said.
Geneseo Superintendent Tim Hayes issued a statement that the school district is “fully cooperating with the New York State Police investigation.”
He went on to point out that, “The safety and security of our students is of utmost importance and all reports of any kind are treated seriously.” He continued, “Support will be available for any students in need of assistance.”
He’s being held on $10,000 cash bail. The investigation remains active. An order of protection was issued on behalf of the victim.
The following statement was released by Midlakes officials:
The Phelps-Clifton Springs Central School District has been informed that Austin J. Pratt, an employee of F.F. Thompson, Inc. serving as an athletic trainer for the School District, was charged in Livingston County on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019 with Criminal Sex Act 3rd degree, Rape 3rd degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. The New York State Police has issued a release regarding that incident on its website.
The safety and security of our students and staff is of our utmost concern and the School District will fully cooperate with the New York State Police on its investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Troop E of the New York State Police at (585) 398-4100.
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