The Hall County District Attorney’s office has dismissed its case against former Cherokee Bluff soccer coach Calvin Cook following an investigation of alleged child molestation.
“We were able to share strong evidence of Cal’s innocence with the State,” said his Gainesville attorney, Graham McKinnon. “This incident has taken a terrible toll on the entire Cook family, but we are thankful for the professional manner and integrity demonstrated by the D.A.’s office in its decision for dismissal.”
In a prepared statement released by Cook, he shared his anguish and suffering over the nearly two years since his May 2023 arrest, but he also expressed forgiveness.
“I will never understand why this happened,” Cook said. “But I only have forgiveness in my heart.”
McKinnon said that Cook has suffered financially and emotionally from his unfounded arrest with perhaps the most damage coming from untruthful and hurtful rumors spread through social media.
“I now ask that the local school community embrace Cal with the same compassion and respect that he has demonstrated throughout this ordeal,” McKinnon said. “Much damage has been done to his reputation, and I ask the community to support Cal and his family as they attempt to pick up the pieces and gain their lives back.”
DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S ORDER DISMISSING THE CHARGES:
“The…defendant was arrested on a single count of child molestation on May 26th, 2023 with an offense date of April 7th, 2021. The offense was reported to have occurred when the victim spent the night at the Defendant’s house with another friend her age. The victim reported that she was awoken from sleep with the Defendant touching her between the legs. Throughout investigation in the case, there has been conflicting information presented from various parties. Additionally, there has been some conflicting information presented from the victim that causes the state concern of proceeding to trial. Because of this, the State does not believe the case can proceed to trial and sustain a conviction of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”