A Western New York native and famed figure skating coach has been suspended from U.S. Figure Skating amidst allegations of sexual misconduct nearly 40 years ago.

Accusations against Richard Callaghan stem from Olympic figure skating coach Craig Maurizi, who was Callaghan's former student and assistant.

Maurizi told The New York Times in 1999 that Callaghan engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with him beginning 20 years prior--when he was just 15 years old.

U.S. Figure Skating announced Callaghan's suspension on its website this week, barring him from all events pending an investigation.

The now 72-year-old denies allegations.

Maurizi's original report with the association was dismissed 20 years ago. He did not comment on what prompted the recent action.

Callaghan, who coached skaters in Rochester and Buffalo for a number of years as well as Olympic champions like Tara Lipinski and Todd Eldredge, has retired to Florida and still coaches periodically.