Investigation finds no evidence of wrongdoing by former Olympic coach

Golden West Swim Club said it has found nothing to support allegations of inappropriate behavior by assistant swim coach William Jewell or evidence of wrongdoing by his boss, famed former Olympic swim coach Mark Schubert, according to a letter from the club’s president.

The organization hired an outside firm to conduct an investigation after former swim team employee Dia Rianda sued Schubert for wrongful termination in September, alleging Schubert ignored complaints she made regarding sexually inappropriate behavior displayed by Jewell.

The court case is proceeding in Orange County.

Golden West concluded its own investigation in November. The result of its findings were released in a letter to Schubert from the president of the swim club, Wes Bryan. It was sent to Schubert, who is the club’s chief executive, and other board members Nov. 30.

Bryan’s letter was supplied to The Times by Schubert’s lawyer Rich Foster on Friday.

“Golden West College is committed to the proactive support and protection of our students, staff, and community members; and we would like to thank you for your open cooperation during our recent investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct at the Golden West Swim Club (GWSC).

“While the allegations were not directed toward the College or those acting during the course of their employment with us specifically; we felt compelled, given the nature of the concerns, to promptly investigate any allegation that had a potential impact on our students.

“As you know, on September 18, 2012 Golden West College became aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct between assistant swim coach, William Jewell, and member(s) of the GWSC swim team through a third party lawsuit filed by Dia Rianda on September 17, 2012 alleging wrongful termination. Additionally, allegations surfaced collaterally that as the head coach of GWSC you failed to report the alleged misconduct of Mr. Jewell. Golden West College secured the services of Norman A. Traub Associates on September 18, 2012 to conduct an independent administrative investigation into these matters.

“Specifically, the administrative investigation focused on allegations that between June 2011 and September 2012, Mr. Jewell may have been involved in inappropriate conduct with a member(s) of the GWSC swim team, and/or a member(s) of the GWC swim team; in violation of state law and GWC policies. It encompassed the allegation that you may have failed to report Mr. Jewell’s inappropriate conduct, pursuant to state law and GWC policy as it relates to mandatory reporting responsibility. Additionally, the investigation examined the treatment of members of the aquatic programs at both venues.

“The independent administrative investigation into these matters is now complete, and I am writing to notify you that the investigation did not reveal any evidence to substantiate allegations of inappropriate conduct by Mr. Jewell while working with GWSC or Golden West College. Independently and as a consequence, this finding means that the allegations levied against you for failure to report inappropriate conduct are also unfounded. Having reviewed the preponderance of evidence collected during the investigation, Golden West College now views this matter as closed. I would be remiss if I did not also report to you that there was an abundance of information regarding the positive contributions you have made as a swim coach and teacher, and so it is with pride we welcome you back to our pool deck.

“At your request, a copy of this letter may be included in your personnel file. Should you have any remaining questions or concerns, you may schedule an appointment with me to discuss.”

Foster, in an interview with The Times, said his client was “totally vindicated.”

Said Foster: “This has been very frustrating for Mark. He has spent decades building his career and reputation. It has been difficult for him. It’s nice to be exonerated, but reckless allegations certainly sting. Unfortunately, it is difficult to unring the bell. With no basis in fact, Rianda and her attorney have caused great damage.”

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