DALLAS (CBS 11 NEWS) – A 43 year-old Molina High
School wrestling coach is in jail on charges of sexual assault and
improper relationship between and educator and student. His bond has
been set at $200,000.
Philon Deberry, who goes by Sam, was being investigated by Dallas ISD
police for an unrelated incident when a student came forward with new
allegations.
A 17 year-old student told police Deberry had been "harassing her,
hugging on her" since September of 2012, court documents said.
She told police Deberry made her guilty by telling that if she told
anyone, he would lose his wife and kids, the affidavit said.
Court documents say in December of 2012, Deberry lured her into a
locker room, then locked the door behind her. The victim said Deberry
unbuttoned his shorts and she tried to get away but Deberry grabbed her
by the hair. She tried to yell for help but nobody came, the affidavit
said.
Deberry then forced her to perform a sexual act on him. She hit him
and he eased his grip and she was able to get away, court documents
stated.
On February 13th, Deberry was placed on administrative leave for
transporting students to and from the physical exams they need to play
sports, according to DISD.
The victim told a school administrator that now that Deberry was
gone, it was the first time she felt safe, the affidavit states. She
then confessed to the school administrator what had happened in the
locker room in December of 2012.
The school administrator contacted police.
The investigation is ongoing. Police are searching for more possible victims.
Philon Deberry
