A Hingham High School track coach, Andrew Wayne, has been accused and charged for inappropriately touching a female student during a track practice, according to court documents. As reported by Boston 25 News, the student athlete alleges that Wayne "slapped and squeezed her buttocks and then pushed her into a wall" on January 27. The incident reportedly caused the teenager to cry and leave the vicinity.

Further allegations surfaced when, around an hour later, Wayne approached the student in the cafeteria, touching her shoulder and asking if someone was picking on her, and his touch was perceived as a "claw grip" that made her feel intimidated and uncomfortable. This encounter was confirmed by video surveillance footage that shows Wayne making the accused physical contact on both occasions. Despite the charges of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 years old, or older, and assault and battery, Wayne has iterated his innocence stating he has been a coach for two decades and "would never cause harm to the kids he coaches" in a statement obtained by Boston 25 News.

The community expresses concern over the recent allegations. "It's terrifying," said Jessica Cullen, a local parent, in an interview with 7NEWS, highlighting how schools are viewed as safe spaces for children. Hingham resident Susan Bain voiced her sadness over the situation, acknowledging the regular presence of school teams practicing around the area as a testament to the community's vibrancy now tainted by the scandal. She told 7NEWS, "It's terrible, it's just terrible. It saddens me, it really saddens me."

While the investigation continues, Wayne has been placed on leave by the school. The coach was reportedly emotional, denying any wrongdoing when approached by a reporter from 7NEWS at his residence, before departing the scene. This case brings to light important conversations about safety and trust within educational sports programs, and the serious implications such allegations hold for all involved.