WINDHAM, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Questions are being raised about why school officials in Windham nominated a football player for a prestigious award, despite knowing that student was facing charges of sexual assault.
18 year old Tyrell Gullatt is accused of sexually assaulting two girls under the age of 8. Back in November, law enforcement went to the school district in Windham to let administrators know that Gullatt had been charged with sexual assault against two young girls.
That information prompted the school district to implement a safety plan.
Several weeks later, the high school principal, athletic director,
and football coach all wrote recommendations for the teen to be considered for the Frank Gaziano Offensive and Defensive Linemen Awards. It is given to a player who shows high integrity, honesty and athletic citizenship. Last month, Gullat was chosen as a finalist for the award and received a thousand dollar check.
RSU 11 Superintendent Sandy Prince says his administrators felt that the student met the award criteria.
"I think they knew that student well for four years, he was a model student, a great athlete, great citizenship, a good role model. What if they did not make that recommendation and what if at the end of the day the allegations are false? This all happened in the community outside of school and we are going to have to ride this out and see how it all goes," said Prince.
Gullatt is schedule to be back in court on the criminal charges next month.