Medford High Football Coach Under Investigation

Story updated 11:29AM Thursday, August 16, 2007

– Allison Goldsberry

New Medford High School Football Coach and Chelsea Police Sergeant James Atkins has been placed on paid adminstrative leave by the Chelsea Police Department pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

Chelsea Police Captain Brian Kyes said Atkins was placed on paid administrative leave Monday pending a criminal investigation conducted by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office and the Chelsea Police Internal Affairs Unit.

Neither the Suffolk DA or police would comment on the nature of the investigation.   Atkins has not been charged with any crime.  Captain Kyes said though not all internal affairs investigations result with an officer being placed on paid leave, it’s not unusual and it’s up to the Chief to make that decision.

“It is the position of the Chelsea Police Department that any allegations of criminal wrongdoing whether allegedly committed by members of the public or police officers are to be taken very seriously and investigated with due diligence,” said Chelsea Police Chief Frank Garvin in a statement. 

Sources say Atkins, a former Chelsea High School football coach, is being investigated for the alleged misallocation of booster funds for Chelsea’s football team last fall.

Atkins’ attorney, Doug Louison, says the allegations are little more than rumors and that Atkins and he are “actively trying to sit down” with the DA’s office to clear things up as quickly as possible.

“It’s unfair that these rumors have hurt Jim so greatly.  We all have to remember there is no charge or indictment issued,” said Louison.

Medford School Superintendent Roy Belson said he is taking the investigation very seriously and is trying to get as much information as possible.  He has placed Atkins on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

“We’re looking into it.  I don’t want to rush to judgment now.  We want to do what’s right for the youngsters in the program and for the individual [Atkins],” said Belson.

Belson said Medford High’s football program, which recently began its pre-season training camp, will go on no matter what happens.

Jonathan Wilson, a high school science teacher and long-time assistant coach, will fill in for Atkins while he is on paid administrative leave.

Atkins has been on the Chelsea Police force since 1993.  He was promoted to Sergeant in 2002.  His primary duty is day shift patrol supervisor and he has worked part-time for the gang unit for several years.