Police seek ex-track coach on warrant charging sexual battery

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

HUBBARD — Police are seeking a former middle school track coach from Trumbull County on an arrest warrant accusing him of sexual battery of a girl under age 16.

The warrant, issued Friday by Girard Municipal Court, identifies the suspect as George Swogger, 24, of West Liberty Street, Hubbard. Detectives say the warrant is based on a criminal complaint and the investigation of an incident report filed by the accuser July 22.

According to the report, the juvenile girl says she engaged in sexual conduct with an adult male.

According to police, the incident took place at the male suspect’s Hubbard apartment July 20.

Swogger had been employed by Brookfield schools last year, on a supplemental contract as an assistant middle school track coach.

He served in that capacity only and worked with middle school boys and girls during track season, school officials said.

Superintendent Tim Saxton said Tuesday the school board already had not renewed Swogger’s supplemental contract, which expired July 1, before the investigation came to light.

Police say they have yet to locate Swogger, but the arrest warrant remains active.

The charge of sexual battery is a third-degree felony, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison upon conviction.