WATERBORO (NEWS CENTER Maine) — Democratic state Rep. Dillon Bates, recently accused of manipulating students into sexual relationships, is no longer coaching cross-country at Massabesic High School.
Rep. Bates has resigned from his job as cross-country coach at the school. RSU 57 Superintendent Larry Malone told NEWS CENTER Maine the district had heard from Bates that he was "no longer moving forward" and "not planning on coming back."
Accusations against Bates surfaced last week in a story published by monthly Portland magazine "The Bollard," which detailed allegations from multiple, unidentified victims. The story prompted Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon to call for Bates’ immediate resignation.
An attorney for Bates called the accusations "baseless" last week and said there was not one shred of evidence against his client. The attorney said Bates would serve out his legislative term.
Bates has coached Massabesic's boys track program for five seasons and was about to take on a new role this fall as boys and girls cross country coach.
Bates abruptly resigned in November from Maine Girl's Academy where he taught theater, citing family issues. He also taught and coached at Bonny Eagle and Greely high schools.