A Ridgewood NJ man has been accused of kissing and touching several female softball players he coached at Nyack College in South Nyack, New York.

According to prosecutors, the 43-year-old suspect inappropriately kissed and touched the victims on multiple occasions. Prosecutors said that the sexual contact, which involved touching of the players’ breasts and buttocks, was not consensual. The victims range in age from 18 years old to 23 years old.

The alleged sexual misconduct was discovered in March while the team was in Arizona. According to officials, a “player disciplinary situation” on the Arizona trip led to the discovery of the alleged sexual abuse.

After several parents lodged complaints against the suspect, he was fired from his position as softball coach at Nyack College.

New York police investigated the allegations and conducted interviews with between 10 and 20 of the players.

Once investigators had enough information to support the allegations, they arrested the suspect.

The suspect was charged with 44 counts of forcible touching, 49 counts of harassment, and one count of sexual abuse. The sexual abuse allegedly involved 13 different players on the softball team.

After another player recently came forward with additional allegations, six more charges were filed against the suspect.

The suspect appeared in a South Nyack NY court for his arraignment. The suspect entered a not guilty plea at the arraignment. He will have to return to the New York court on May 11 for another hearing.

Meanwhile, the alleged victims have been granted protective orders that prohibit the suspect from contacting them while the charges are pending.

For additional information about this case, check out the NJ.com article entitled “More Charges Filed Against Ridgewood Man Accused of Kissing Players He Coached, Report Says.”