Longtime metro-east high school coach charged with sexual assault, obstruction

A longtime metro-east high school coach was arrested and charged Tuesday with sexual assault and interfering with an investigation, according to a release from the Illinois Attorney General’s office and court records.

Chad E. Malawy, 54, who has been a teacher and baseball coach at Nashville High School for more than 20 years, faces felony counts of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and two misdemeanor counts each of solicitation to obstruct justice and attempted obstruction of justice, according to a release from the Illinois Attorney General’s office.

He was being held in the Washington County Jail pending further court proceedings, according to court records.

The investigation was conducted by the attorney general’s office and the Nashville Police Department, with assistance from Illinois State Police forensic investigators, authorities said.

Nashville High School District 99 Superintendent Brad Turner acknowledged in letter to parents on May27 that an employee was under investigation and had been placed on administrative leave.

“We will cooperate fully with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation and will take any additional actions that may be appropriate as more information becomes available,” the letter said.

Malawy has been placed on administrative leave from his coaching job, officials said. Washington County court records list St. Louis lawyer Thomas Matthes as Malawy’s defense attorney.

Specific information about the allegations against Malawy were not immediately available Tuesday.

Malawy led the Hornet’s baseball team to the quarterfinals of the Illinois Class A State Tournament in his first season as head coach in 2005. His teams have since won nine regional and two sectional championships with a 20-year record of 514-173.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Illinois State Police Special Investigator Cloee Frank at 217-843-0347.