Former Cherokee Bluff High School soccer coach Calvin (Cal) Cook has had the child molestation charge against him dropped, following an extensive legal battle that lasted nearly two years. According to AccessWDUN, Cook's attorney, Graham McKinnon, stated, "We were able to share strong evidence of Cal’s [Cook’s] innocence with the State." Cook had been accused of molesting a child under the age of 10 during a stay at his family's home in Flowery Branch back in 2021.
"This incident has taken a terrible toll on the entire Cook family," McKinnon told FOX 5 Atlanta. "But we are thankful for the professional manner and integrity demonstrated by the D.A.’s office in its decision for dismissal." Despite the dismissal, the details of the evidence that led to the dropping of charges remain undisclosed, as the Hall County District Attorney's Office has not yet made a public statement regarding their decision to dismiss case.
Throughout the ordeal, Calvin Cook has maintained his innocence, as expressed in a statement obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, where he said, "Since day one of my surprising arrest, I never wavered from proclaiming my innocence." He went on to express his gratitude: "I thank God, my family, fellow educators and coaches, and all my friends in the Hall County community who have believed and supported me throughout this horrible ordeal. Most of all,I thank my wife, Brooke, for standing by me all the way."
During the time that the charges were pending, Cook has faced substantial financial and emotional hardships, exacerbated by wave of false rumors perpetuated on social media, as per McKinnon's interview with AccessWDUN. Cook, who was the head girls' soccer coach at the time of the allegations, is looking to move past these events, emphasizing a future where he can return to his profession. "Despite the anguish that my family and I have suffered, I have only forgiveness in my heart," Cook elaborated. "I will now focus on the future, looking forward as best as possible to a ‘normal’ life and a return to my calling as a coach, educator, and mentor."
