Morongo Unified School District releases statement after former assistant coach accused of child sex crimes
Morongo Unified School District has released a statement the day after it was announced that a former assistant football coach at Yucca Valley High School was arrested on suspicion of child sex crimes.
Jonathan Andrew Linn, 55, was arrested in Pioneertown by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department at around 4 p.m. Tuesday, jail records show. Linn, who is best known as the frontman for the John Linn Band, served as an assistant coach during the 2019 YVHS football season.
According to the release from the District, Linn's role consisted of "minor coaching duties" and serving as the team's videographer.
"As a public school district, our most important work is to protect the safety and well-being of our students," read a statement from MUSD Superintendent Tom Baumgarten. As a result, when unusual allegations of this nature are made, we take prompt action to protect our students”.
As soon as the allegations came to light, Linn was relieved of his duties with YVHS. Per the release, Linn was properly vetted and approved by the Board of Education, with clearance through district-prescribed protocols before his hiring.
"Out of respect for all concerned, MUSD will make no further comment; future inquiries should be directed to law enforcement. Investigators believe there may be additional victims due to the [sic] suspects involvement in community events and are releasing his booking photo. Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Morongo Basin Station at (760)366-4175," closed the MUSD release. "Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME."
Linn is being held at the San Bernadino County - West Valley Detention Center on $250,000 bail. According to jail records, Linn faces charges of rape, lewd acts with a child, and false imprisonment.
Linn is scheduled to appear at the Morongo Superior Court on Thursday.
