On Friday, March 22, 2024, a Long Island, New York, high school volleyball coach affiliated with both Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead and B&B Volleyball Club in Albertson committed suicide after appearing in court for the first time to face rape charges.
Law enforcement officials reported that on Friday night, Jason Maser, 22, intentionally stepped in front of an oncoming Long Island Railroad train in Syosset.
Maser had been taken into custody on Thursday, March 21, faced with allegations of raping a 15-year-old female athlete on two separate occasions, February 7 and March 7. The reported assaults took place in the suspect’s Jeep Cherokee.
At his initial hearing in Hempstead, he entered a plea of not guilty to the charges, which included two counts of rape, alongside accusations of sexual assault and child endangerment. He posted bail set at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond before release.
Both volleyball programs responded to the allegations by terminating Maser’s employment. Before his arrest, B&B Volleyball communicated to parents acknowledging an “inappropriate relationship” between a coach and a player, affirming their stance against misconduct. The club team informed the local media that Maser had undergone required training through US Safe Sport and had been vetted by USA Volleyball, including a background investigation.
Similarly, officials from Sacred Heart claimed to have immediately contacted law enforcement upon receiving information about the allegations against Maser.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority confirmed Maser’s death, stating it occurred around 10:35 p.m. at the Woodbury Road crossing. A suicide note was found at the scene. Maser was due in court again on April 1.
This incident marks a second instance in the month where an individual in the tri-state area, accused of child sex crimes, has died by suicide. Earlier, John Magaldi, a Hartford, Connecticut doctor, was found dead after being implicated in a child prostitution sting.
Magaldi, who headed the rheumatology department at the Hartford HealthCare Bone and Joint Institute, faced charges including attempted risk of injury, sexual contact with a minor under 16, attempted second-degree sexual assault, attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and obstruction of police.
Manhasset Schools have verified that Maser served as a coach for the boys’ volleyball team during the 2022 season. Investigators believe there could be additional victims and are urging individuals with any information to come forward.