A high school volleyball coach associated with Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, New York, and B&B Volleyball Club in Albertson, New York died by suicide on Friday, March 22, 2024, following his initial court appearance to answer rape charges.
Jason Maser, 22, deliberately walked in front of an approaching Long Island Railroad train in Syosset, New York on Friday night, as reported by law enforcement officials.
The authorities arrested Maser on Thursday, March 21, following accusations that he raped a 15-year-old female athlete two times, on February 7 and March 7. The alleged incidents happened in Maser’s Jeep Cherokee.
Maser pleaded not guilty to the charges at his initial court appearance in Hempstead. The charges included two counts of rape, sexual assault, and child endangerment. He was released after posting a bail of $75,000 cash or a $150,000 bond.
Both volleyball institutions ended Maser’s employment following the accusations. B&B Volleyball had previously informed parents of an “inappropriate relationship” between a coach and a player, affirming their zero-tolerance policy against such behavior. Maser had completed the necessary US Safe Sport training and had been vetted by USA Volleyball, which included a background check, according to the club team’s disclosure to the media.
Officials from Sacred Heart Academy claimed that they promptly reached out to law enforcement after learning about the allegations against Maser.
Manhasset Schools in New York also confirmed Maser’s role as a coach for their boys’ volleyball team during the 2022 season. Investigators believe there may be more victims and are urging anyone with additional information to step forward.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority confirmed Maser’s death, stating it occurred around 10:35 p.m. at the Woodbury Road crossing in Syosset. A suicide note was found at the scene. Maser was expected to appear in court again on April 1.
This event is the second instance this month where a person in the tri-state area, facing child sex crime charges, has died by suicide. John Magaldi, a physician from Hartford, Connecticut, died earlier after being implicated in a child prostitution sting operation.
Dr. Magaldi, the head of the rheumatology department at the Hartford HealthCare Bone and Joint Institute, was charged with 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.
