Portsmouth Coach Found Not Guilty of Assault Charge

James McKenzie, a former Portsmouth High School assistant baseball coach, has been acquitted on charges he assaulted a minor last year while working at Gibb’s Garage Bar and Grille.

McKenzie, 57, was found not guilty by a Rockingham County Superior Court jury Tuesday in Brentwood.

He had been arrested in March 2022 by the Portsmouth Police Department after turning himself in on alternative simple assault and sexual assault charges, both Class A misdemeanors.

He was released on personal recognizance bail at the time.