Statement Regarding Former Part-time Assistant Football Coach, Charles Spann

Posted December 30

St. Margaret's pursues a rigorous and thorough employment process. All potential employees including all part-time, temporary coaches, etc. are screened through reference checks, the California Department of Justice, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Mr. Charles Spann was first offered a position at St. Margaret’s as a part-time, temporary, assistant football coach on March 11, 2010 with the understanding that he had to be cleared with the Department of Justice. We received DOJ clearance on March 12, 2010 and Mr. Spann was extended a temporary contract from May 17 to December 11, 2010. Based on his performance as a coach, Mr. Spann was then rehired as a part-time, temporary, assistant football coach in the spring of 2011. Importantly, at that time we had not received any notice of concern from the DOJ or the FBI.

On September 26, 2011, we received notice from the California Department of Justice that Mr. Spann had been arrested on December 14, 2010 and that he eventually pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of possession of marijuana. We immediately confronted Mr. Spann who was open in his explanation of his involvement. After careful thought and consideration, we decided to allow Mr. Spann to continue in our employ with the clear understanding that any future transgression on his part would result in his immediate dismissal.

On Friday, December 2, 2011 we were informed by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office that Mr. Spann had been arrested on additional drug related charges. Mr. Spann was immediately confronted and on Monday, December 5 he was informed that his employment with the school was terminated effective immediately, that he was not to participate in any end-of-season football team activities, that he was not to contact any of our football players, and that he would not be rehired for the 2012 football season.

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