Former Coach Charged With Sex Abuse

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (AP) -- A former Prince George's County high school teacher and coach has been charged with sexual child abuse.

Prince George's County District Court documents show that Troy Shockley, 41, of Clinton, Md., is accused of offering to perform a sex act on a 15-year-old boy in February. The allegations were reported in The Washington Post.

According to the newspaper, the alleged victim said he reported to school security that Shockley made "comments of a sexual nature" to him. The boy claims Shockley followed him into a bathroom, started a conversation with him and invited him into his office. In the office, the boy, according to the charges, said Shockley locked the door, started asking sexual questions.

Shockley was a psychology teacher, the athletic director and track and field coach at Suitland High. School officials say the student involved isn't a member of the track team.

Shockley was suspended after the allegations were revealed in February and fired last week after being charged. He is free on $95,000 bond. He could face up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

Shockley is a three-time All-Met coach of the year. His teams have won six state championships, but he did not attend the Maryland 4-A 3-A indoor track championship meet won by Suitland in February.

(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)