David Bernstein: relieved of duties after arrest. Westport Police photo
David Bernstein, the Staples High School wrestling coach, was arrested early today by Westport police after a motor vehicle stop that led to the discovery of “a small amount” of cocaine in his possession, police said.
Bernstein, 28, of Fairfield was later relieved of his coaching duties.
Westport police stopped him in the vicinity of 1655 Post Road East at 1:30 a.m. after he was spotted driving erratically, crossing the double line, and a records check showed there was an outstanding warrant from Bridgeport for failure to appear, police said.
During the stop, police found a small clear plastic bag of cocaine in a cigarette pack in his vehicle, leading to a narcotics charge. He was later released on $3,500 bond with a Norwalk court date set for Dec. 15 on the narcotics charge and a Bridgeport court date of Dec. 14 on the failure to appear charge.
It was not the first arrest for Bernstein while a Staples coach. In January, he was arrested following a fight outside a Fairfield bar and suspended from his coaching duties. (See WestportNow Jan. 6, 2015) Prosecutors chose not to pursue charges, and he was reinstated.
This was the fourth season for Bernstein as Wrecker coach with the first dual meet set for Wednesday, Dec. 16 at home against Norwalk. The school promoted Jesse Koproski, an assistant coach, to head coach following Bernstein’s arrest.
Here is Bernstein’s bio as listed on the Staples wrestling website:
David Bernstein: coached team for four years Contributed photo
Born July 12, 1987, son of Katherine O’Connor and Bradd Bernstein. Raised in Fairfield, attended Mill Hill Elementary, Roger Ludlowe Middle School, Fairfield Prep, Post Grad at Loomis Chaffee School. Recruited to wrestle D1 at Bucknell University. Transferred to Fairfield University and majored in Film and New Media Production. Coached Westport PAL Wrestling program alongside Jack Conroy, CT National teammate and Bucknell teammate.
Wrestling Credentials:
Started wrestling as a seventh grader in Fairfield PAL program under Jason Shaughnessy (Fairfield Warde Coach). Wrestled Sophomore, Junior, Senior years at Fairfield Prep at 215 lbs.
2x MVP and Captain
SCC Champion
LL State Champion
State Open Runner Up
5th place New England
Attended Loomis Chaffee for post-graduate year:
Suffered broken back in football season, missing majority of wrestling season
Returned from injury to qualify for New Englands and won New England Tournament at 215 lbs. Received All-American honors, taking 5th place at National Preps, losing a heartbreaker in the semi-finals by one point.
Athletics:
2011 CT Freestyle Wrestling Heavyweight Champion (Open Division)
Rugby New England Champions in 2005 at Fairfield Prep
Bucknell Rugby Starter
Activities/Hobbies:
Rock climbing, rugby, fishing, camping, biking, kayaking, travel, film production, exercise.
