Downtown Lawyer

John Matyas, a New York school district coach, was involved in an altercation with a parent.  Although some school officials discouraged Matyas from pressing criminal charges against the parent, other school officials supported his decision.  The parent was acquitted of the criminal charges and then sued Matyas for malicious prosecution.  Matyas filed a petition under the Education Law for the school district to defend him, and the trial court agreed that the school had a duty to defend him because the incident arose out of his duties as a coach.  On appeal, however, the New York appellate court noted the confusion of whether Matyas was told by the school district not to pursue criminal charges.  Accordingly, the court reversed the trial court’s decision and remanded the case for a hearing.  To read the full story, click here.