Solon Middle School wrestling coach Rob Farley on leave, charged with assaulting student

Justin Dennis
·2 min read
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SOLON, Ohio (WJW) — Solon Middle School wrestling coach Rob Farley has been placed on leave, accused of pushing a 15-year-old high school student into a wall, causing injury.

According to an affidavit filed in Bedford Municipal Court, Farley “did push” the teen “in the left side of his head with the bottom of his foot resulting in injury to his left cheek.”

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The affidavit further states the teen’s head “was pushed into a wall” and that Farley is accused of holding the victim’s head “against the wall with his foot for a period not greater than 30 seconds.”

It happened during a wrestling practice, according to Solon police Lt. William Vajdich. The student and his parent then filed an assault report.

Solon City School District Superintendent Fred Bolden first announced the incident in a Wednesday letter to district families.

“The [Solon High School] administration was informed [Tuesday] night about an incident that occurred at Solon High School [Tuesday] morning. We immediately began an investigation and placed Mr. Farley on leave,” the letter reads.

The administration learned Wednesday afternoon that Farley, 49, of Solon, had been arrested and charged with a first-degree misdemeanor count of assault.

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Farley pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday morning in Bedford Municipal Court, records show. He was given a $5,000 bond and ordered against having contact with the alleged victim. The court also issued a criminal protection order.

He was released from custody after posting bond. He’s due back in court on Feb. 26.

“The administration is cooperating with the Solon Police Department and will continue to work through our internal investigation and mandatory state reporting procedures,” Bolden wrote Wednesday.

Parents or their students who have concerns about interactions with Farley are urged to call middle school Principal Antoine Campbell at 440-349-6254 or high school Principal Erin Short at 440-349-6238.

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