Local softball coach accused of sexually assaulting teenager

Local softball coach accused of sexually assaulting teenager

A local softball coach is accused of sexually assaulting a teen girl over the last three years.

James Muir, of Blawnox, served as an assistant softball coach with multiple local organizations including Fox Chapel Area High School and Penn State New Kensington.

According to Allegheny County Police, the girl, who is currently 17, told investigators about the alleged sexual abuse last month, saying it began as inappropriately sexually explicit comments when she was just 14 and soon escalated to physical contact.

Some of the alleged encounters took place at a hotel in Harmar and others at a hotel in Frazier Township.

Channel 11 has learned Muir served as an assistant softball coach with multiple organizations including Fox Chapel Area High School and Penn State New Kensington.

Fox Chapel Area School District sent a statement to Channel 11 which reads, “In 2023, James W. Muir resigned as an assistant high school softball coach for the Fox Chapel Area School District. As local law enforcement conducts their investigation, the district will fully cooperate.”

A statement from Penn State New Kensington reads, in part, “Penn State New Kensington campus and police services have been made aware of the deeply troubling charges against this individual, who is no longer employed by the University. These charges do not involve any Penn State students.”

According to the police report, Muir would give the teen girl vapes or alcohol in exchange for sexual favors.

She told police Muir would record video of the sexual encounters.

Investigators found multiple nude images of the victim on his phone as well as videos of them having sex.

Police say he even sent multiple explicit photos and videos of the girl to a friend.

Muir was denied bail and is being held at the Allegheny County Jail.

He’s due back in court on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

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