Police: Social worker failed to report sex abuse

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) — A social worker who counseled two girls after they said they were sexually abused by a Westport high school coach has been charged with refusing to cooperate in the police investigation.

The Connecticut Post reports that Valerie Wilke was charged with failure to report abuse or neglect and interfering with a police officer.

Jeffrey Schare, coach of the Staples High School boys' swim and dive team, was charged last month with sexually assaulting the two girls for more than a year.

Police say Wilke told a school counselor in November she had information about the sexual assault of a child, but refused to reveal the child's identity or provide relevant information to police.

State law requires social workers to report abuse.

It was not known Friday if Wilke and Schare are represented by lawyers.

___

Information from: Connecticut Post