MONROE — Both Monroe police and school officials are investigating allegations of misconduct by an SSM Health Sports Medicine Department athletic trainer.

“At this point I can confirm that Monroe PD has opened a case to investigate allegations at the Monroe School District of improper conduct involving more than one student athlete and an athletic trainer,” said Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley. 

“We take the safety of our kids very seriously,” said Rodney Figueroa, School District of Monroe Superintendent, before declining further comment. “We cannot comment on any matters involving students. … We need to take appropriate steps to ensure their safety when we are made aware of any allegations or issues.”

Alleged accusations include improper touching during physical examination, including with use of a medical device.

The Monroe Times knows the identity of the trainer in question, but without charges filed, is choosing not to publish the name of the accused.

An anonymous caller first informed the Times on Feb. 3 of abuse, which included the caller’s daughter. The Times reached out to Monroe Police, Monroe school district officials, and SSM for confirmation of the allegations or comment. Figueroa responded right away. Kelley gave his latest update on Feb. 8.

“Our first priority was to make sure that no one is in any further exposure to danger, and I believe that this was the case early on,” Kelley said. 

The police’s role after the immediate safety question in this type of investigation is to determine if there is any criminality involved, and if so, to identify by whom, Kelley said. Once that would be determined, the police would work with the District Attorney’s office.

“I can’t be more specific about an open investigation however,” Kelley said. “Certainly we would be talking to those who may be involved and families. We have been communicating with the school district in regards to this. The school authorities have regulations and investigations that they have to do also.” 

SSM did not respond by press time Thursday.

According to an anonymous Monroe High School staffer, “I think everyone right now is doing their digging — administrators, SSM; everyone.”

Any student or athlete that has been abused, or were witnesses to abuse, are encouraged to come to Monroe Police with information, Kelley said.

Anyone can reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Locally, the Green County Sexual Assault Recovery Program (SARP) provides crisis and long-term advocacy as well as offering prevention education and is available 24 hours a day in both English and Spanish at 866-666-4576, with more information available at https://www.familyservices1.org/sarp or by emailing pvestin@sarpwi.com. 

Sexual misconduct by an athletic trainer is rare, but not new. Perhaps the largest national case known is the scandal involving Larry Nassar, a doctor employed by Michigan State and USA Gymnastics. 

After years of allegations of abuse to teenage athletes, he was sentenced in 2018 to essentially life in prison. More than 150 women read victim statements during his trial. Olympians Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, McKayla Maroney and Simone Biles have all gone on the record that they were abused as young teenagers. 

The fallout included prison time or resignations for many on the staff at both Michigan State and USA Gymnastics. Michigan State also agreed to a $500 million settlement with the survivors, while USA Gymnastics declared bankruptcy. 

— Natalie Dillon and other Times staff contributed to this report.