Ex-Middle School Hoops Coach Cleared in Abuse Case

A claim of sexual abuse against Aaron Chivington, a Fairborn pastor who coached middle school basketball for Fairborn City Schools, has been ruled unsubstantiated.

"I knew that the stories that were told about me were greatly exaggerated versions of the truth, so I really wasn't worried about if we were going to be cleared, it was just a matter of when," he said.

Chivington was placed on administrative leave by the school district Jan. 5 after complaints were lodged against him by a parent, according to Fairborn Superintendent Mark North.

On Monday, North said that Greene Children Ser vices informed the school district that Chivington had been cleared. That email from a Children Services case worker, obtained via public records request, says Greene County "completed the investigation of the allegations of sexual abuse" and called that allegation "unsubstantiated" and said the case was being closed.

The email did recommend Chivington adjust his behavior around children, and in social media and personal conversations. Chivington said he "has read and understands what the county is suggesting."

"I want every kid to be protected. I want every kid to be safe," Chivington said. "If an accusation is made, I have no problem with actions taken to say let's err on the side of caution. But at this point, I'm also wondering where are we as far as protecting the coaches and teachers and others who are doing their best for care for kids, and a situation like this occurs?"

Greene County Children Services officials said Monday they had no comment on the case.

North said the current basketball season is over, and coaches receive contracts one season at a time. He said Chivington can reapply to coach again for the district in the future.

In a statement Chiving-ton issued through Fairborn United Methodist Church, where he is lead pastor, he said he had been cleared by four agencies - the YMCA, Fairborn City Schools, the Warren County Sheriff 's Department and Greene County Children Services.

"At this time we are thankful that we can move forward with our lives and ministry," Chivington's statement said. "We continue to pray for our foster children, who are the real victims in this situation."

Chivington said seven foster children were removed from the home he shares with his wife and three biological children when the investigation began. He said Monday that he has been told those children will never be returned to their home.

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