High school football coach arrested for stealing from students, faculty

A high school teacher and football coach in Oregon is under intense scrutiny this week following an arrest on Wednesday. South Albany head coach David Younger has been placed on administrative leave by the district after being charged with multiple crimes for allegedly stealing from players and coworkers, according to local law enforcement.

Court documents in Linn County, Oregon, lay out the case against Younger, alleging that he stole cash and an iPhone worth at least $1,000 between Oct. 17 and Nov. 25, 2023, according to a report by the Albany Democrat-Herald. He also allegedly stole $1,000 or more in cash from the school in August 2023. Some of the funds Younger allegedly stole were fundraised for the school, police said.

The victims of the crimes, as listed in the court documents, are South Albany athletes and a physical education teacher. Younger himself is a physical education and health teacher in the district.

Younger is facing three criminal charges as a result of his actions: Two counts of first-degree theft, which is a felony, and a second-degree criminal trespass charge, a misdemeanor.

An investigation that ultimately led to Younger’s arrest and criminal charges was kicked off when the school notice suspicious financial activity and alerted the Albany, Oregon, police department.

Greater Albany Public Schools issued a statement addressing the situation: “At the end of November 2023, Greater Albany Public Schools became aware of suspicious financial activity at South Albany High School. District officials presented the information to the Albany Police Department who conducted an investigation. 

“Per district policy, SAHS teacher and football coach David Younger was placed on administrative leave. Any further action taken by the district as a result of APD’s investigation will be in accordance with board policy and with guidance from legal counsel. The district does not comment on personnel issues.

“The safety and well-being of our students and staff remains the district’s first priority.”

It goes on to ask anyone with info to contact the Albany police department.

Younger was arraigned and released on Wednesday after his arrest and requested a hearing for the case not take place until Feb. 2, 2024, after he completes an unspecified in-patient treatment program, according to the Democrat-Herald.

Younger is in his second stint coaching South Albany football, previously having led the team from 2013-19 before resigning and taking a volunteer assistant role at Willamette University. He became a co-head coach at South Albany in 2021, sharing duties with Jeff Louber.