Former Foster's sports editor, Portsmouth High coach arrested on sex assault charge

James McKenzie (Portland Police photo)

PORTSMOUTH - A longtime Portsmouth High baseball coach has been charged with sexual assault of a minor.
James McKenzie, 55, of Stratham, voluntarily turned himself in to the Portsmouth Police Department on Wednesday. He has also been charged with simple assault. Both charges are Class A misdemeanors punishable by up to a year in county jail.
McKenzie was a longtime assistant baseball coach for Portsmouth High School and a former sports editor and correspondent for Foster's.
McKenzie is no longer employed with Portsmouth schools, school officials said.
He was released on personal recognizance pending an appearance in Portsmouth District Court on April 11.
Police say their investigation began a week ago when they received a report of the sexual assault of someone under 18.
Police released no details on the alleged assault, which is said to have occurred at Gibb's Garage Bar and Grille of Portsmouth.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information on this crime is asked to call Detective Matt Fredrickson at 603-610-7667. Anonymous tips can be made through Seacoast Crime Stoppers by calling 603-431-1199, online at www.seacoastcrimestoppers.com, and through the new "P3" phone app available as a free download for Apple and Android phones.