Massachusetts High School Coach Charged with Raping Student

Authorities say the coach provided alcohol to the 18-year-old player before sexually assaulting her.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Massachusetts high school basketball coach has been arrested and charged with raping an 18-year-old student who was a player on his team. The coach, Scott Marino, is accused of providing the student with alcohol, including tequila shots, before sexually assaulting her. Marino was the student's foster parent and also taught math at the school.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious abuse of power and trust that can occur when a coach or teacher takes advantage of a student. It raises concerns about the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to protect students from sexual predators in positions of authority.

The details

According to authorities, on February 18th, Marino took the 18-year-old student, who was living with him and his wife as a foster placement, to get takeout food and then to a liquor store where he purchased tequila and other alcohol. Marino then allegedly pressured the student to drink the alcohol, including making her tequila shots, before raping her at his home. Prosecutors say Marino was in a position of trust as both the student's coach and foster parent.

  • On February 18, 2026, the alleged assault took place.
  • On February 25, 2026, Marino was arrested on charges of rape, indecent assault and battery, and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
  • On February 26, 2026, Marino was arraigned in court on the charges.

The players

Scott Marino

A 54-year-old high school basketball coach and math teacher in Malden, Massachusetts who is accused of raping an 18-year-old student who was a player on his team and living with him as a foster placement.

Malden High School

The high school where Marino coached the girls' basketball team and taught math to 7th graders.

Linden STEAM Academy

The middle school in Malden, Massachusetts where Marino also taught math.

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What they’re saying

“This is a relationship where the defendant was the victim's foster parent, he took her into his home, that's a position of trust, as well as coupled with the fact that the defendant is a teacher, or was a teacher at the Malden Public Schools and he was also her coach for many years.”

— Jacob McCrindle, Prosecutor (NBC Boston)

“I understand how upsetting and distressing this is to our community given the serious nature of these allegations ... The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.”

— Dr. Timothy Sippel, Superintendent of Malden Public Schools (CBS News)

What’s next

Marino's defense attorney has not yet commented on the charges. The judge will decide at a future hearing whether to allow Marino to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case underscores the urgent need for stronger safeguards and oversight to protect students from sexual predators in positions of authority, such as coaches and teachers. It highlights the serious abuse of power that can occur when those in trusted roles violate that trust.