Ex-coach at Brooklyn Private School faces serious accusations
Nicolas Morton, a 31-year-old former baseball coach at a private school in Brooklyn, New York, was arrested on October 24 for allegedly sexually abusing seven young boys, aged 12 to 14. Morton, an alumnus of the school, is accused of threatening to cut players from his team if they refused to comply with inappropriate demands.
The Brooklyn District Attorney’s office has filed a 20-count indictment against Morton, detailing allegations of misconduct toward players on NYC Freedom Baseball, a private travel team Morton coached, which included students from his former school, Packer Collegiate Institute, and other local schools.
Brooklyn DA praises courage of young victims
During Morton’s arraignment, Gwen Barnes, of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s special victims bureau, commended the bravery of the boys who reported Morton’s alleged sexual abuse. “These boys bravely came forward and stood up for themselves and each other,” Barnes said in a statement provided to The New York Post. The indictment alleges Morton made inappropriate physical contact with some players and insisted on intrusive behaviors.
The disturbing allegations against Morton
Barnes outlined the case, stating that Morton allegedly began targeting players on Brooklyn baseball fields, including those at Packer Collegiate K-12 in Brooklyn Heights. According to Barnes, Morton allegedly groomed his players by discussing explicit topics. Morton reportedly intensified his actions over time, threatening team exclusion if players didn’t meet his demands.
The DA’s office also described instances in which Morton allegedly made inappropriate physical contact with players. Parents of the young athletes have voiced concerns that additional victims could still come forward, as some players reportedly joined his team as early as age 11.
Morton’s defense and school’s response
Morton’s defense attorney, Robert Georges, requested Morton’s release without bail, citing his client’s connections to law enforcement. “He comes from a law enforcement family,” Georges told Justice Donald Leo, referencing Morton’s relatives in the Nassau Police Department and the NYPD’s 111th precinct in Queens. However, the judge denied this request and set Morton’s bail at $75,000.
In August, Morton’s employment at Packer Collegiate Institute, where he earned an annual salary of $60,000, was terminated. In a subsequent email to parents, school officials acknowledged a “pattern of inappropriate behavior” and interactions associated with Morton’s private travel baseball team, which included both Packer students and others.
Charges and upcoming hearing
Morton now faces charges of child sexual abuse and inappropriate conduct involving minors. His next court hearing is scheduled for December 13, 2024.
