MANCHESTER, N.H.- A federal judge has denied a motion filed by an attorney for Joseph Auger, a former Portsmouth High School assistant track coach charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor with the hope of suppressing evidence and statements his client made to police during his arrest.

According to court documents Auger’s attorney says statements made by his client at the time of his arrest, arguing they were made involuntarily, despite having been read and then waiving his Miranda rights.

Auger,27, was originally arrested in April of 2025 on a single attempt of sex trafficking of a minor, out of a sting at a Best Western hotel in South Portland, Maine, where he gave $150 in cash to undercover federal agents.

Out of this hearing, jury selection is now scheduled for September 1,2026.