High School Basketball Coach Charged with Raping Foster Daughter, Providing Alcohol

Scott Marino, 54, faces multiple charges including rape and providing alcohol to a minor.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A Massachusetts high school basketball coach, Scott Marino, 54, has been charged with raping a student under his foster care and providing the underage victim with alcohol. Prosecutors allege Marino gave the 18-year-old female student margaritas and shots of tequila before sexually assaulting her inside his home. The victim was living in foster care with Marino and his wife at the time of the alleged incident.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious abuse of power and breach of trust when an authority figure, especially one in a caretaker role, allegedly commits sexual assault against a minor under their supervision. It raises concerns about the vetting process for foster parents and the need for stronger oversight to protect vulnerable youth.

The details

According to prosecutors, Marino and the victim attended mass on Ash Wednesday before driving to Boston to pick up a seafood dinner and drinks. At Marino's home, he allegedly poured the victim a margarita and a shot of tequila, despite her saying she did not like the drink. When the victim became sick and went to lie down, Marino is accused of sexually assaulting her. The victim later contacted friends and family, who called 911 and drove to the home, where the victim came "running out."

  • On Ash Wednesday, Marino and the victim attended mass together.
  • Marino and the victim then drove to Boston to pick up a seafood dinner and drinks.
  • At Marino's home, the alleged sexual assault took place.

The players

Scott Marino

A 54-year-old Massachusetts high school basketball coach who is accused of raping a student under his foster care and providing the underage victim with alcohol.

The Victim

An 18-year-old female high school student who was living in foster care with Marino and his wife at the time of the alleged incident.

Malden Public Schools

The school district where Marino worked as a teacher and basketball coach, and which has placed him on leave pending the investigation.

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What they’re saying

“'This was, clearly some planning went into this, to go get dinner, to provide drinks and engage in the type of behavior that he did over the course of the night.'”

— Jacob McCrindle, Prosecutor (Boston Herald)

“'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 (WBTS)

“'Very, very shocked. It's something that I would have never expected at all because I knew him for four years and he was somebody that I looked up to, and he was a great mentor. It's hard to try to process.'”

— Unnamed Woman, Former Player on Marino's Basketball Team (WCVB)

What’s next

Marino was released on $75,000 bail following his court appearance and has been placed on leave from Malden Public Schools. The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Marino out on bail again.

The takeaway

This case highlights the serious abuse of power and breach of trust when an authority figure, especially one in a caretaker role, allegedly commits sexual assault against a minor under their supervision. It raises concerns about the vetting process for foster parents and the need for stronger oversight to protect vulnerable youth.