UPDATED: Malverne football coach in "wrong place at the wrong time"

Malverne High School football coach Kito Lockwood has been charged with six weapons counts as part of a major drug bust across Nassau County’s South Shore, District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced Thursday morning.

Lockwood, 49, of West Hempstead, pleaded not guilty to three counts of criminal possession of a firearm and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon. He has been the Malverne varsity football coach for 14 years.

Lockwood's attorney, Frederick Brewington, is also his former football coach. Brewington said Lockwood is one of the most upstanding people he has ever known.

"None of these charges is true," Brewington said to the Herald. "This was a lasso of the widest berth. He was not involved in any drugs or crimes. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Brewington said Lockwood was watching the NBA finals with friends and decided to sleep on a couch after having a "few drinks." Lockwood was awoken to law enforcement in the house, Brewnington said. 

In a statement emailed to the Herald, Superintendent Lorna Lewis said, "The individual is an employee of the district, as well as a coach. We are aware of the allegations, and do not have any comment at this time, as it as a matter of personnel."

Lockwood coached in Thursday night's home game against Locust Valley.

In an updated statement to the Herald Friday morning, the Malverne School District said, "There has been no change in his employment or coaching status.”

Brewington said that by not suspending Lockwood, the school district showed the faith it has in him as a person and leader of students.

“Coach Lockwood is so thankful to the district for crediting his history with the district," Brewington said. "As they say, leaders are shown by their actions. His leadership has demonstrated that all benefits and all doubts should be given to him.”

A nine-month joint investigation by the D.A.’s office and the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Long Island District Office yielded 12 arrests and “large quantities of drugs and firearms,” according to Donnelly’s news release. Lockwood was arraigned Wednesday, Sept. 13 before  Nassau County Judge Meryl Berkowitz. 

Malverne High School’s Homecoming game and events are scheduled for Sept. 23.

— This is a breaking story. Check back for updates.