Toledo, OR. — The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) has cited a Toledo Junior/Senior High School football coach for harassment after an investigation confirmed he struck a student inside the school gymnasium.
According to an LCSO media release, a School Resource Deputy received a report on October 24, 2025, alleging that a coach had “physically struck a student on school grounds.” Deputies coordinated with the Lincoln County School District and began a follow-up investigation to identify those involved and ensure student safety.
On October 27, LCSO Detective Christopher Marks interviewed the student and reviewed video footage of the incident. Investigators determined that 63-year-old Rodney Cross of Toledo, a football coach at the school, “slapped the student during a conversation in the school gymnasium.” The student told detectives there was no physical injury but said they felt embarrassed in front of peers who witnessed the slap.
Detective Marks also interviewed Cross as part of the investigation.
Following the review of evidence and interviews, Cross was issued a criminal citation for Harassment under Oregon law. His arraignment is scheduled for November 17, 2025.
In the release, the Sheriff’s Office stated it “remains committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff within our schools.”
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