McCutcheon swim coach named in lawsuit

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - The Tippecanoe School Corporation has issued a response to allegations that McCutcheon High School swim coach Amanda Cox had knowledge of the molestation of a 14-year-old girl.

TSC Superintendent Scott Hanback issued the following statement Friday:

"Tippecanoe School Corporation is informed of a recent civil complaint in Marion County. The complaint is reported to address misconduct by a former swim coach who was convicted and is incarcerated in Marion County. The complaint includes allegations against others concerning their reporting duties. Among others, the complaint names a swim coach who is currently employed by TSC as a teacher and coach. TSC is reviewing the allegations. TSC has no comment on the merits of the allegations at this time. The allegations have generated extensive media and public attention. To the extent facts surrounding these allegations may address any TSC personnel matters; TSC is conducting an internal investigation."

McCutcheon High School swim coach Amanda Cox is named in a civil lawsuit involving another swim coach who sexually molested a 14-year-old girl.

The lawsuit stems from the actions of Chris Wheat, the former swim coach at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis.  Wheat was convicted last year of sexually molesting a girl who was 14 years old at the time.

Her family filed a civil suit Thursday morning accusing various organizations including USA Swimming and people, like McCutcheon coach Amanda Cox, of knowing about the misconduct, doing nothing to stop it, and not reporting it to police.

"Sadly, Amanda Cox, a teacher in West (sic) Lafayette at McCutcheon High School, the head coach of McCutcheon High School, the head coach of USA Swimming sanctioned and endorsed Mavericks Aquatics had actual knowledge of sexual relationships between Chris Wheat and at least one other victim to my client being victimized," said Jonathan Little, an attorney for the family of the girl, known only as "Jane Doe".

The civil lawsuit relates to Cox's position as a USA Swimming coach and not her role at McCutcheon.

Jonathan Little said Cox sent text messages back and forth with Wheat demonstrating she knew about the molestation of his client.