On Tuesday, September 20, 2011 the Philadelphia Police Department informed administrators for Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School that they had arrested Mr. Lou Spadaccini, the school's baseball coach. Mr. Spadaccini has been charged with corrupting the morals of a minor, endangering the welfare of a child, simple assault, reckless endangerment, interference with the custody of children, luring a child into a vehicle or structure, and furnishing alcohol to a minor.

Mr. Spadaccini is now on administrative leave pending investigation, which means he is relieved of all duties within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. He has been baseball coach at Saints John Neumann and Maria Goretti Catholic High School since 2006. He had previously served as Assistant Varsity Baseball Coach at Saint John Neumann High School in 1995. All of the required criminal background checks and child abuse clearances were in place.

School administrators sent a letter to school families today informing them of the arrest and asked if they had any information to contact the Philadelphia Police Department Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3263. The letter went on to say, "Please know that we join with you in concern for the safety of all of our children. If you need assistance or want to talk to someone about supporting your child through this situation please call the Archdiocesan Office for Child and Youth Protection at 1-888-800-8780 or e-mail philavac@adphila.org."

Contact
Donna Farrell
Director of Communications
215-587-3747