Father suing, alleging child was abused by former school athletic trainer

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — A father who says his child was groomed and abused by a former school athletic trainer is taking legal action.

Austin Pratt is serving 15 years in prison for enticement of a minor.

Prosecutors say he used social media to communicate and encourage the victim to engage in a sexual relationship and send explicit photos.

Pratt worked for FF Thompson Hospital and was contracted out to the Geneseo Central School District as an athletic trainer at the time.

The father filed a lawsuit against the school district, the hospital, and UR Sports Medicine for damages.

News10NBC has reached out to FF Thompson Hospital, Geneseo CSD and URMC for their response to the claim.

FF Thompson said it does not comment on open litigation.

The Geneseo CSD said it had not been served with the complaint as of Wednesday afternoon, but regardless, it does not comment on pending litigation.

URMC sent us the following statement:

"Mr. Pratt’s employment with UR Medicine was terminated in January 2019, immediately after we learned of his arrest on charges related to sexual activity with a minor. UR Medicine Thompson Health cooperated fully with the Geneseo Central School District, and with the investigation of Mr. Pratt by New York State Police. As you know, Mr. Pratt is now serving time in prison after pleading guilty to criminal charges against him in this case. However, we were not aware of this civil claim until being asked about it this afternoon by News10NBC."