Officials: Lindenhurst volleyball coach arrested, accused of steroid possession

A Lindenhurst High School teacher and varsity coach was arrested in Commack Sunday morning in connection with possession of anabolic steroids, Suffolk police and school officials said.

Kevin Muscarello -- who district officials confirm is a physical education teacher and boys varsity volleyball coach -- was taken into custody near Vanderbilt Parkway and Commack Road shortly after 11 a.m., police said.

Muscarello, 40, of Sayville, is charged with fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, authorities said.

He could not be reached Monday night.

District officials late Monday said they were informed that Muscarello was arrested because he was accused of possessing anabolic steroids, and they reassigned him.

"We have no reason to believe that Mr. Muscarello was distributing steroids to students. Our district will cooperate fully with the police and their investigation and we will continue to make the safety and well-being of our students and staff our top priority," Superintendent Richard Nathan said in an emailed statement.

"Muscarello has been employed by the district for 11 years, but had no prior criminal record and all appropriate due diligence in conformance with state law was exercised in his hiring," district officials said.

Muscarello will be reassigned pending the outcome of the allegations, district officials said.

He earned $87,384 in the 2011-12 fiscal year, state records show.

Muscarello last year led the team to the state volleyball finals in Division I.