Portsmouth, OH – A Portsmouth Junior High School football coach and substitute teacher has been charged with pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor and sexual battery involving a minor. Authorities confirmed that Damion Coleman Jr. was arrested on Wednesday as the school dismissed.
Portsmouth Coach Charged with Crimes Involving a Minor
Coleman Jr. appeared in Portsmouth Municipal Court for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. He was released under electronically monitored house arrest after acknowledging conditions, fees, and responsibilities tied to the monitor.
School District Provides Student Support
Portsmouth City School District leaders said immediate steps were taken to support students following news of the charges. Superintendent Matthew McCorkle explained that counselors and trusted staff members met on Thursday with Junior High football players.
“We had a meeting with the Junior High football players this morning,” McCorkle said. “Just giving them outlets to talk to people, offering them counselors, people that they trust in the school…we did that this morning. The varsity football coach is going to come down and be on the sidelines with the assistants. Because you had five other assistant coaches who are as shocked as we are.”
The district confirmed the Junior High principal made herself available throughout the day on Thursday to meet with students who sought guidance. A parent meeting is planned following the team’s first game to address leadership transition and the search for a replacement coach.
Police Investigation Ongoing After Report of Coach’s Misconduct with Child
Investigators said Coleman Jr. had been engaged in an inappropriate relationship with an underage female. A search warrant was executed at his Portsmouth residence, and evidence was collected. The school district stated that steps are underway to move forward with termination.
The Portsmouth Police Department is asking anyone with additional information about Coleman Jr. or the case to contact Detective Stacy Croasmun at 740-354-1600.
Ohio Attorney Explains Legal Options for Victims of Coach Misconduct
Following the arrest of Portsmouth Junior High football coach Damion Coleman Jr. on charges involving a minor, many families are asking what legal steps are available. To address these concerns, Ohio sexual abuse lawyer John Bey outlines the legal avenues victims and their families may consider when misconduct involves a trusted coach or school staff member.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: John, when allegations like these surface involving a coach or school staff member, what steps can victims or their families take right away?
John Bey, Esq.: The first step is making sure the victim is safe and supported, which includes reporting the incident to law enforcement. From there, families may also consider legal action that allows them to hold not only the individual accountable, but potentially the institution if proper safeguards were ignored.
Banville: In situations tied to schools or athletic programs, how does civil action usually differ from criminal charges?
Bey: Criminal charges focus on punishing the offender and come through the state. Civil action, on the other hand, can provide compensation for the victim’s trauma, therapy costs, and long-term needs. It also gives families the opportunity to demand stronger oversight from schools to prevent this from happening again.
Banville: What would you say to families struggling to decide if they should move forward?
Bey: No one should feel pressured, but families should know they don’t have to go through this alone. Speaking with a lawyer experienced in handling these cases can help them understand their rights and what accountability can look like, both for the individual and for the institutions responsible for student safety.
Support and Legal Guidance Available
Victims of sexual abuse and their families do not have to face these challenges alone. Legal options are available to hold wrongdoers and institutions accountable. If you or your child has been harmed, contact our team today for a free, confidential consultation.
Source
https://www.wsaz.com/2025/09/03/junior-high-football-coach-arraigned-released-jail/
