In yet another child sexual abuse scandal that has rocked the nation, former Syracuse University basketball assistant coach Bernie Fine has been accused of molesting several young boys decades ago. According to Sarasota child abuse lawyers at the Mallard Law Firm, the fourth accuser has now recanted his accusations against Mr. Fine. That accuser, 56-year-old Floyd “David” Van Hooser, had asserted that Mr. Fine abused him beginning at age 14 or 15.
Following the accusations raised by the alleged victims, including Mr. Van Hooser, federal prosecutors opened an investigation. New York statute of limitations precludes state charges in the allegations of sexual abuse. Federal involvement thus far has included:

• Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Clymer is overseeing the investigation by the Secret Service and the Syracuse Police
• U.S. Secret Service agents have searched Mr. Fine’s Fayetteville, New York home, his office, a locker at the Carmelo K. Anthony Basketball Center, and Mr. Fine’s bank safe deposit box
• The affidavits from federal agents have not been made public, as they feel it could compromise the safety of  the sources of information in the affidavits

Mr. Van Hooser had initially raised his claim to Syracuse police detectives in late November. He asserted that Mr. Fine, who had helped raise him, sexually molested him as a teenager and that it continued until just last December. This past Friday, January 13^th, he recanted that claim, claiming that he made the false accusation because Mr. Fine did not hire a lawyer for him to fight his most recent criminal conviction. Mr. Van Hooser is in jail for repeat offender charges of burglary and drug abuse.
To learn more about Florida sexual abuse, contact an experienced Sarasota child abuse lawyer. Complete our online submission form or call our office at (888) 409-3805 for a complimentary consultation regarding Sarasota sexual abuse matters.