Who is Cole Underwood? Former Perryton ISD Athletic Director Arrested for Child S*x Assault

Cole Underwood, 29, a former Athletic Director at Perryton ISD was arrested Thursday and accused of child s*xual assault.

Underwood is accused of having s*x with a Perryton High School student who is under the age of 17.

He was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office today and released on a $125,000 bond.

Perryton ISD Superintendent Greg Brown said the district received a report on Sunday that an employee may have engaged in improper conduct involving a student.

Underwood was placed on administrative leave on Monday and the district contacted the Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office.

He later resigned, according to the district.

Underwood is a 2013 Perryton graduate who was promoted from offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in May.

He previously spent five years as a wide receivers coach at Amarillo High before becoming Perryton’s offensive coordinator in 2022.

According to a news release issued by Ochiltree County Sheriff Terry Bouchard, Underwood, 29, was taken into custody Thursday following an ongoing investigation.

He was arrested on a warrant of sxual assault of a child and charged with a second-degree felony of having sx with a Perryton High School student under the age of 17.

Perryton ISD Superintendent Greg Brown released a statement addresing the situation.

On Sunday, April 21, 2024, the Perryton ISD administration received a report that an employee may have engaged in improper conduct involving a student. The District immediately initiated an internal investigation. On Monday, April 22, 2024, after learning additional information, the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave and the District informed the Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office of the matter. A similar report was made to other authorities as required by law and District policy.

It is the District’s understanding that law enforcement’s investigation into this matter is ongoing. As always, the school administration will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and any other investigating agency to the fullest extent possible under the law. The employee has since resigned and is no longer associated with Perryton ISD.

Student safety and proper professional boundaries between staff and students are top priorities for any school district. Perryton ISD is no different. We strictly enforce our policies relating to professional conduct, and our employees receive training regarding such policies and the District’s expectations concerning appropriate interactions with students and minors. We always encourage anyone with concerns about possible educator misconduct to immediately contact school administration or local law enforcement.

As educators, we understand curiosity, and we know that events like these spark interest. However, in accordance with state and federal law, and out of respect for the privacy of the parties involved, we cannot disclose the confidential information of the persons involved or the details concerning this matter. Therefore, we won’t be able to comment further. We’re grateful for the understanding of our community.

Thank you for your continued support of the Perryton ISD and its students