BurlCo Coach Pressured Kid To Lie To Officials During Gun Investigation: Prosecutor

MOUNT HOLLY, NJ — A group of kids accessed a high school football coach's unsecured gun on school grounds, officials said. Then he pressured one of them to mislead investigators, according to the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office (BCPO).

Andrew Paden is an assistant football coach and teacher's aide for Rancocas Valley Regional High School. He was charged Wednesday with several offenses, including second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon.

School officials placed Paden on administrative leave.

The investigation began Oct. 10, when a student informed school officials to say he witnessed kids playing with a handgun inside Paden's vehicle, the BCPO said. The incident occurred the day prior, during a junior varsity football game. School personnel then contacted police.

Further investigation revealed that Paden, 40, took some of the kids to the game and gave them permission to stay inside his vehicle, authorities said. He later went to one of their homes in a push for the kid to tell investigators that the firearm was fake and he brought it with him to the game from his home, according to law enforcement.

The BCPO noted that the school was closed on the day of the incident because of a state holiday.

Paden's charges also include witness tampering and possession of a weapon on school grounds — both third-degree offenses. Mount Holly police released him after processing.

Prosecutors plan to present the case to a grand jury for possible indictment.