NORTH ANDOVER – David Castricone, the former longtime North Andover High School wrestling coach who led his team to two state championships, will spend the next three months in jail after pleading guilty yesterday to two counts of possession of child pornography.
Salem Superior Court Judge David Lowy sentenced him to 2 1/2 years in jail, with four months to be served and the balance suspended for three years with probation. Lowy credited Castricone, 61, with 26 days he has spent in jail since his arrest.
While on probation, Castricone cannot have any unsupervised contact with children under 16. He must register as a sex offender, complete a sex offender evaluation and treatment if necessary, not attend any North Andover High School events and be placed on a GPS monitor.
Assistant District Attorney Andrew Camelio recommended a three-year state prison sentence. Had the case gone to trial, Camelio said he would have proved that Castricone possessed approximately 20 images of naked girls ages 6 to 9 on his computer and in printed form. The maximum penalty for possession of child pornography is five years in state prison.
Castricone was represented by attorney Thomas Hoopes of Boston.
Castricone, named Eagle-Tribune Wrestling Coach of the Year in 2005, was arrested Feb. 14, 2011 and charged with a single count of possession of child pornography. In July of that year, he was indicted on two counts of possession of child pornography.
Castricone, who owns a roofing and siding business at 200 Sutton St., was locked up in February after he violated his bail conditions by viewing pornography on a computer at work and attending a wrestling match between North Andover High and Triton Regional High School in Byfield.
Castricone was the winningest coach in New England high school wrestling history. During his 25 years of leading the Scarlet Knights wrestlers, they won two state titles and dominated the region. Just two days after his arrest, the team won the state Division 2 title.
North Andover residents were shocked when a more sordid image of the coach emerged. He was seen on surveillance footage going in and out of the girls locker room at least nine times in the month prior to his arrest to set up a recording device, according to authorities. Police found multiple pages of child and adult pornography at his Court Street home.

Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
