Longtime high school football coach arrested in prostitution sting

Police have arrested a Central Florida high school football icon in a prostitution sting.

Daytona Beach Police Chief Mike Chitwood said his officers have both audio and video of Mainland High School football Coach John Maronto trying to pick up one of their undercover female officers.

Maronto was released Sunday after posting $500 bond.

The allegations have sent shockwaves through the community, and the Mainland football team held a special meeting Monday morning before practice.

School administrators would not allow reporters to talk to the players, saying they wanted the team to have a private meeting to discuss the arrest of their coach.

Considered one of the top high school football coaches in the state, Maronto, 68, has taken the Mainland Buccaneers to the playoffs for the last 14 years, including a state title in 2003.

But police said they have a strong case against the coach.

Chitwood said his officers went undercover Saturday night as part of a sting to stop prostitution in the beachside area, when Maronto propositioned what turned out to be a female officer.

The police report states Maronto drove up to the officer, told her he wanted a date and asked her to get into his car.

She said no, but told him she had a room at the Daytona Inn, and then asked him what he was looking for. He said sex and that he would give her $50.

The coach was arrested, along with three others.

“To me, he was a role model,” said Jimmy Mungen, a Mainland parent. “All the kids loved him, I guess. Then something like this will come out. He’s the one who should be ashamed.”

“I know the coach. We’ve worked with him closely,” said Chief Chitwood. “I’m very disappointed with his decision making, but I’m also really angry.”

So far, Maronto has not been suspended by Volusia County Schools, pending further investigation.

District officials have asked to meet with him Tuesday.

School district spokeswoman Nancy Waite said Maronto is not expected to attend football practice sessions. But she added the district could also wait to see how the case plays out in court.

“I think they should just terminate him, because the kids, they don’t trust him no more,” said Mungen.

News 13 contacted Coach Maronto by telephone Sunday, but he declined to comment on his arrest.

The videotaped conversation has not been released.