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The video and audio evidence against Mainland High School football Coach John Maronto released Monday by the State Attorney's Office leads to Volusia County's winningest coach stepping down today, though his criminal defense attorneys maintain his innocence. Maronto was scheduled to take his Mainland squad in two weeks to play at New Smyrna Beach against his former team, the Barracudas. He was New Smyrna Beach's coach in the mid 1990s.
DAYTONA BEACH -- Mainland High School football coach John Maronto abruptly resigned today, two days after release of a Daytona Beach police surveillance video by the State Attorney's Office that accuses him of soliciting sex from an undercover Daytona Beach female cop posing as a prostitute during the Labor Day weekend.
"With the deepest of regret, I resign," the 68-year-old Trovato said in a written statement released by his criminal defense attorney, Dave Damore. "I am making this decision because I believe it is in the best interest of the football team and the Mainland High School family."
Maronto was arrested just after midnight, Saturday, Sept. 4, in an undercover sting by the Daytona Beach police, during which an undercover female officer posing as a prostitute was solicited for sex, according to the State Attorney's Office. Maronto was head coach of the New Smyrna Beach 'Cudas football team in the mid 1990s.
More than 30 men were arrested during the Labor Day weekend in the prostitution sting.
Volusia School District officials had allowed Maronto to continue coaching despite the arrest, with district spokeswoman Nancy Wait saying in part that it was his first time in trouble and that he was only being charged with a misdemeanor.
But earlier tonight, the school district released a statement saying that he would be transferred away from his gym class at Mainland High:
The district statement reads as follows: "During a meeting today with the director of professional standards and the superintendent, John Maronto submitted his resignation as head football coach for Mainland High, effective 6 p.m. today. After due consideration, Superintendent Margaret Smith has determined that Mr. Maronto has been released from duty at Mainland High School effective immediately and will be reassigned to another facility. The transfer will become effective Monday, September 27. Dr. Smith made this determination based upon information and counsel from staff, in addition to reviewing the information herself. Since Monday, the director of professional standards has been reviewing the audio and video tape regarding Mr. Maronto’s arrest. In addition, the director held meetings with personnel and students at Mainland High, followed by meetings with Mr. Maronto."