A child molestation charge from 2023 against a former Cherokee Bluff soccer coach has been dropped.
According to former coach Calvin Cook's attorney Graham McKinnon the charge was dropped after “strong evidence” of Cook’s innocence was shared with the state.
“We were able to share strong evidence of Cal’s [Cook’s] innocence with the State,” McKinnon said. “This incident has taken a terrible toll on the entire Cook family, but we are thankful for the professional manner and integrity demonstrated by the District Attorney’s office in its decision for dismissal.”
The initial arrest came after the Flowery Branch Police Department received a report in April of 2023 indicating that Cook had molested a child under the age of 10 at his home in 2021.
AccessWDUN reached out to District Attorney Lee Darragh’s office for comment but have not heard back yet.
Cook released a statement regarding the incident.
“I will never understand why this happened,” Cook said. “But I only have forgiveness in my heart.”
McKinnon said Cook has suffered financially and emotionally from the arrest.
Cook was the head girls' soccer coach at Cherokee Bluff High School at the time of the allegations.
Here is Cook’s full personal statement:
“Since day one of my surprising arrest, I never wavered from proclaiming my innocence. Today, that truth has finally come to light, restoring dignity in my personal and professional life.
I thank God, my family, fellow educators and coaches, and all my friends in the Hall County community who have believed and supported me throughout this horrible ordeal. Most of all, I thank my wife, Brooke, for standing by me all the way.
Despite the anguish that my family and I have suffered, I have only forgiveness in my heart. I will now focus on the future, looking forward as best as possible to a ‘normal’ life and a return to my calling as a coach, educator, and mentor.”
