Ex-North Kingstown Teacher, Coach Fired From New Job Over Naked 'Fat Tests': Report

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — A Catholic school in South Kingstown has fired a teacher and ex-North Kingstown basketball coach following allegations from former students that he had them strip naked while alone with him behind closed doors.

Arthur Lisi, the principal at Monsignor Clarke School, addressed Aaron Thomas's termination in a letter sent to parents Friday, WPRI 12 reported.

"This has been a very difficult week for many in our closely-knit community,” Lisi wrote in the letter. "We have processed a series of emotions, including frustration knowing that during the hiring process we contacted North Kingstown High School which withheld from us the allegations, investigation, suspension, and planned termination of Mr. Thomas."

Also read: N. Kingstown Schools Knew About Coach's Naked 'Fat Tests': Report

According to the television station's Target 12 investigative team, which first reported this story, North Kingstown Superintendent Phil Auger kept Aaron Thomas on as a coach for more than two years after some students came forward. In February, more former students came forward, and Thomas was placed on administrative leave. He then resigned ahead of a planned termination in June.

Auger did not immediately return Patch's request for comment.

Former students told WPRI 12 Thomas called students into his office and had them completely undress to conduct "fat tests." The allegations are now under the investigation of Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha and local police