A volleyball coach from Long Island, New York, connected with Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead and B&B Volleyball Club in Albertson, died by suicide on Friday, March 22, 2024, following his initial court appearance for rape allegations.
Authorities revealed that Jason Maser, aged 22, deliberately walked into the path of an inbound Long Island Railroad train in Syosset on Friday night.
Maser had been arrested on Thursday, March 21, on charges of raping a 15-year-old female athlete twice, on February 7 and March 7. The alleged assaults are said to have occurred in Maser’s Jeep Cherokee.
During his first court hearing in Hempstead, Maser protested his innocence to the charges, which included two counts of rape, as well as allegations of sexual assault and child endangerment. He secured his release by posting a bail of $75,000 in cash or a $150,000 bond.
In response to these accusations, both volleyball establishments ended Maser’s employment. Prior to his arrest, B&B Volleyball had issued a statement to parents recognizing an “inappropriate relationship” between a coach and a player and reaffirming their position against misconduct. The club team also told the press that Maser had completed the necessary training through US Safe Sport and had been cleared by USA Volleyball, which included a background check.
Officials from Sacred Heart have reported that they promptly informed law enforcement once they were made aware of the allegations against Maser.
Manhasset Schools also confirmed that Maser coached the boys’ volleyball team there during the 2022 season. Investigators suspect there may be more victims and are encouraging anyone with relevant information to step forward.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority confirmed Maser’s death, stating it happened around 10:35 p.m. at the Woodbury Road crossing. A suicide note was discovered at the location. Maser was scheduled to appear in court again on April 1.
This incident is the second such case this month in the tri-state area where an individual, accused of child sex offenses, has taken their own life. Previously, John Magaldi, a doctor from Hartford, Connecticut, was found dead after being involved in a child prostitution sting.
Magaldi, who was the head of rheumatology at the Hartford HealthCare Bone and Joint Institute, faced charges such as attempted risk of injury, sexual contact with a minor under 16, attempted second-degree sexual assault, attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor, and hindrance of police.
