Politics & Government

Police Chief: 'This Is Just the Beginning'

Peters Township police Chief Harry Fruecht said his department needs time to sort through materials regarding accusations made against high school head football coach Rich Piccinini.

 the  football program after receiving a complaint Wednesday from the county's Children and Youth Services Department. 

Police Chief Harry Fruecht launched the investigation after receiving a complaint from CYS that "an alleged perpetrator is permitting children to play sports with concussions or concussion-like symptoms."

"We're reviewing materials, and gathering knowledge and documents to make reason for this investigation," he said.

Find out what's happening in Peterswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last week, the  renewed high school head football coach 's 2012-13 contract in a 6-3 vote. ; an email between and Superintendent Nina Zetty circulated to all parents involved in the football program the week prior.

The email is being investigated although it is simply accusational, Fruecht said.

Find out what's happening in Peterswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Mortland told the Post-Gazette Thursday, the coach undermined athletic trainers who were treating players with concussions, broken bones and other injuries.

Peters Township School District spokeswoman Shelly Belcher told Patch that Zetty has gathered the materials related to the investigation and they are being sent over to Peters police this afternooon.

Chief Fruecht said he plans to interview athletic trainers and athletic director Brian Geyer. He also said his department needs time to sort through materials.

"This is just the beginning," he said.

Piccinini couldn't be reached for comment. Stay tuned to Peters Patch for developing details.


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