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City by the Lake.org, The Voice of Michigan City, Indiana _ City Talk _ Another coach with another kid
Posted by: lighter Dec 18 2009, 09:03 AM
http://nwitimes.com/news/breaking/article_ea5247aa-eb5f-11de-893e-001cc4c03286.html
Former LaPorte coach turns himself over to authorities
By Christine Kraly and Marisa Kwiatkowski Times Staff Writers | Posted: Friday, December 18, 2009 12:05 am | (7) Comments
LAPORTE | A former LaPorte High School assistant girls volleyball coach was charged Thursday with multiple felonies for an alleged sexual relationship with a minor, an Indiana State Police spokeswoman confirmed.
And a Times investigation shows the charges could be a second black mark for LaPorte High School's volleyball team in the last two years.
Robert Ashcraft, 45, faces two felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one felony count of child seduction, state police Sgt. Ann Wojas said.
The LaPorte resident turned himself in about 6:30 p.m. Thursday at LaPorte County Jail, Wojas said.
Wojas was unable to provide details of Ashcraft's charges Thursday, including when the alleged incidents occurred and whether they took place at LaPorte High School, where Ashcraft had been an assistant junior varsity coach. Wojas did report that the victim was younger than 16 years old at the time of the alleged incidents and that Ashcraft was not involved at the school other than in his coaching role.
LaPorte Community School Corp. officials announced Ashcraft's resignation at a district meeting Nov. 11, 2008.
Jim Dermody, the school corporation's assistant superintendent, said Thursday evening that he was unaware of Ashcraft's charges and felt it would be inappropriate to comment.
Other school and athletics officials contacted by The Times did not return phone calls seeking comment.
In an unrelated case in March, the U.S. Department of Education found that the LaPorte school corporation unlawfully retaliated against a student trainer who reported seeing what he believed was a professional trainer fondling a female volleyball player in 2007.
The federal agency's Office for Civil Rights found the corporation violated Title IX when it stripped then-senior Dan Vermette of his student trainer duties after he reported the 2007 incident.
Vermette -- who is now a computer specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps -- reported the alleged groping to both the school corporation and an outside employer that helped fund the professional trainer's salary, according to the Office for Civil Rights decision.
A school official told Vermette that reporting the incident to that outside employer was "incredibly inappropriate," federal records state.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Dec 18 2009, 09:28 AM
The end of that story is pretty interesting. I hadn't heard it before. That kind of stuff is very common in the education and higher educational settings. They DO NOT want crimes reported to the authorities. They prefer to keep in internal, that way they can keep it as quiet as possible, and maintain their image publicly.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jan 10 2010, 11:07 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=28108
QUOTE
Board member recants remarks on coach
Chris Schable
Staff Writer
LA PORTE - A La Porte Community School Corp. board member contradicted comments made by fellow board members and Superintendent Judith DeMuth regarding an alleged sexual relationship between a high school coach and player.
But just hours after making the comments, board member Ron Gigliotti recanted them.
Robert Ashcraft, 45, was arrested Dec. 17 and charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
According to the allegations in La Porte Circuit Court, Ashcraft, Fish Lake, was an assistant girls volleyball coach when he and the then-15-year-old player began a sexual relationship in fall 2007.
The now 17-year-old told investigators she and Ashcraft first kissed following a volleyball game that fall and had sex 10 to 15 times over the next several months.
Gigliotti said Wednesday the board fired Ashcraft at a November 2008 School Board meeting after learning he had what the board deemed inappropriate contact with female athletes, such as "applying ointment to (the athletes') muscles."
"That wasn't allowed and he knew that," Gigliotti said.
Gigliotti also said it wasn't the first time the board was made aware of Ashcraft's actions.
"When we knew he was doing something inappropriate, we took proper disciplinary actions. When he (repeated) those actions, he was fired," Gigliotti said. "We agreed to dismiss him at the School Board meeting in (November) 2008."
Gigliotti recanted those comments Thursday, however, claiming, "I didn't have a clear remembrance of what happened. The truth is, he resigned."
When asked if anyone in the administration or on the board asked him to recant his remarks, he said, "No. My memory of it was cloudy. It happened over a year ago. There was no intent on my part to deceive anyone or release misinformation."
Gigliotti's original statements are in contrast to statements made by board president Mitch Feikes and DeMuth. The two said recently Ashcraft resigned at the November 2008 meeting, and they had no knowledge of an affair between Ashcraft and the girl at that time.
"(Gigliotti) must have misspoke," DeMuth said. "There are five terms we use when employees end their service with us, and our employees confuse those terms a lot, especially resigned and retired. I'm sure that's what happened here."
Feikes agreed.
"He must have misunderstood the question," Feikes said. "Ron knows he wasn't fired."
Whether Ashcraft was asked to resign, Feikes said, "He resigned." When pressed, he said, "He resigned. That's all I can say. He officially resigned."
Indiana State Police and La Porte City Police conducted the investigation that led to Ashcraft's arrest. Indiana State Police spokeswoman Ann Wojas said there has been no formal investigation into the school corporation nor any employees as to their knowledge of the alleged affair.
According to Feikes, there's been no formal internal investigation either, but the matter has been examined by school officials "to some degree."
So far, he said, there's been no evidence any faculty member had prior knowledge of the coach's alleged activities.
"We haven't found anything," said Feikes.
One La Porte schools faculty member said he tried to inform the board of Ashcraft's alleged misconduct.
According to the minutes from that meeting, just moments before the board allegedly accepted Ashcraft's resignation, La Porte schools' teacher Greg Samuelson voiced concerns during the public comment portion of the meeting.
"Why are coaches and trainers being allowed to resign or just leave when accused of misconduct with female athletes?" Samuelson asked the board. "This is a violation of Title IX by not protecting female athletes from sexual harassment. Why does this administration violate state law by not reporting this type of conduct to (Child Protective Services) or the police first, but instead conducts their own investigation? As an advocate for girls' athletics and principals of Title IX, I encourage the La Porte School Board of Trustees to protect our female athletes and follow all laws that protect them."
The minutes approved by the board at the following meeting, however, were more vague.
They state: "Mr. Samuelson of La Porte spoke regarding a coaching job at the middle-school level. He also spoke regarding Strategic Plan Goal #4, and his concerns for student safety, female athlete treatment and hiring of consultants."
Samuelson said no board member or administrator ever broached the subject with him following the meeting.
Gigliotti agreed.
"We didn't discuss it after that, no. It was just one person (voicing concern at the meeting). A lot of people come up with innuendos, and you don't follow up on every one of them. If anyone within the school system saw anything, it would have been their duty to report it. Not only that, it's the law. If Mr. Samuelson knew anything, he would have to report it."
"They should have done their job and followed up," Samuelson said. "They should be able to infer something was going on from my comments at the meeting. I don't see how they can say they didn't have any knowledge of it."
(Stan Maddux and Alicia Ebaugh contributed to this story.)
q
Chris Schable, executive editor of The Herald-Argus, can be reached at cschable@heraldargus.com or (219) 326-3859.
Chris Schable
Staff Writer
LA PORTE - A La Porte Community School Corp. board member contradicted comments made by fellow board members and Superintendent Judith DeMuth regarding an alleged sexual relationship between a high school coach and player.
But just hours after making the comments, board member Ron Gigliotti recanted them.
Robert Ashcraft, 45, was arrested Dec. 17 and charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
According to the allegations in La Porte Circuit Court, Ashcraft, Fish Lake, was an assistant girls volleyball coach when he and the then-15-year-old player began a sexual relationship in fall 2007.
The now 17-year-old told investigators she and Ashcraft first kissed following a volleyball game that fall and had sex 10 to 15 times over the next several months.
Gigliotti said Wednesday the board fired Ashcraft at a November 2008 School Board meeting after learning he had what the board deemed inappropriate contact with female athletes, such as "applying ointment to (the athletes') muscles."
"That wasn't allowed and he knew that," Gigliotti said.
Gigliotti also said it wasn't the first time the board was made aware of Ashcraft's actions.
"When we knew he was doing something inappropriate, we took proper disciplinary actions. When he (repeated) those actions, he was fired," Gigliotti said. "We agreed to dismiss him at the School Board meeting in (November) 2008."
Gigliotti recanted those comments Thursday, however, claiming, "I didn't have a clear remembrance of what happened. The truth is, he resigned."
When asked if anyone in the administration or on the board asked him to recant his remarks, he said, "No. My memory of it was cloudy. It happened over a year ago. There was no intent on my part to deceive anyone or release misinformation."
Gigliotti's original statements are in contrast to statements made by board president Mitch Feikes and DeMuth. The two said recently Ashcraft resigned at the November 2008 meeting, and they had no knowledge of an affair between Ashcraft and the girl at that time.
"(Gigliotti) must have misspoke," DeMuth said. "There are five terms we use when employees end their service with us, and our employees confuse those terms a lot, especially resigned and retired. I'm sure that's what happened here."
Feikes agreed.
"He must have misunderstood the question," Feikes said. "Ron knows he wasn't fired."
Whether Ashcraft was asked to resign, Feikes said, "He resigned." When pressed, he said, "He resigned. That's all I can say. He officially resigned."
Indiana State Police and La Porte City Police conducted the investigation that led to Ashcraft's arrest. Indiana State Police spokeswoman Ann Wojas said there has been no formal investigation into the school corporation nor any employees as to their knowledge of the alleged affair.
According to Feikes, there's been no formal internal investigation either, but the matter has been examined by school officials "to some degree."
So far, he said, there's been no evidence any faculty member had prior knowledge of the coach's alleged activities.
"We haven't found anything," said Feikes.
One La Porte schools faculty member said he tried to inform the board of Ashcraft's alleged misconduct.
According to the minutes from that meeting, just moments before the board allegedly accepted Ashcraft's resignation, La Porte schools' teacher Greg Samuelson voiced concerns during the public comment portion of the meeting.
"Why are coaches and trainers being allowed to resign or just leave when accused of misconduct with female athletes?" Samuelson asked the board. "This is a violation of Title IX by not protecting female athletes from sexual harassment. Why does this administration violate state law by not reporting this type of conduct to (Child Protective Services) or the police first, but instead conducts their own investigation? As an advocate for girls' athletics and principals of Title IX, I encourage the La Porte School Board of Trustees to protect our female athletes and follow all laws that protect them."
The minutes approved by the board at the following meeting, however, were more vague.
They state: "Mr. Samuelson of La Porte spoke regarding a coaching job at the middle-school level. He also spoke regarding Strategic Plan Goal #4, and his concerns for student safety, female athlete treatment and hiring of consultants."
Samuelson said no board member or administrator ever broached the subject with him following the meeting.
Gigliotti agreed.
"We didn't discuss it after that, no. It was just one person (voicing concern at the meeting). A lot of people come up with innuendos, and you don't follow up on every one of them. If anyone within the school system saw anything, it would have been their duty to report it. Not only that, it's the law. If Mr. Samuelson knew anything, he would have to report it."
"They should have done their job and followed up," Samuelson said. "They should be able to infer something was going on from my comments at the meeting. I don't see how they can say they didn't have any knowledge of it."
(Stan Maddux and Alicia Ebaugh contributed to this story.)
q
Chris Schable, executive editor of The Herald-Argus, can be reached at cschable@heraldargus.com or (219) 326-3859.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jan 12 2010, 01:39 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=28162&TM=52674.88
QUOTE
Police investigating LP School Corporation
State police taking closer look at how much school officials knew about alleged sexual relationship between coach, teen
Chris Schable
Staff Writer
The Indiana State Police began an official investigation into the La Porte Community School Corp. on Monday following the arrest last month of a former high school coach.
The investigation stems from the arrest of Robert Ashcraft on Dec. 17, 2009. Ashcraft allegedly had an ongoing sexual relationship with an underage volleyball player.
Indiana State Police Sgt. Ann Wojas confirmed Monday the case "has been assigned to an investigator, the school corporation has been contacted by that investigator and they are cooperating."
"The investigation is taking place as a follow-up (to Ashcraft's arrest) to make sure there is no impropriety there," Wojas said.
The 45-year-old Fish Lake man was charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
According to the allegations in La Porte Circuit Court, Ashcraft was an assistant girls volleyball coach when he and the then-15-year-old player began a sexual relationship in fall 2007.
Ashcraft allegedly resigned at a November 2008 school board meeting.
The La Porte School Board announced last week it will hire a private investigator to find out if any administrators and staff knew about an alleged sexual relationship between the former coach and player.
School Board President Mitch Feikes said the decision to hire an outside investigator is in response to "rumors and innuendo" that some faculty members knew about the alleged relationship between Ashcraft and the teen, but did not report it to the proper authorities.
"It's important to know exactly what went on, to clear the names and reputations (of the innocent)," Feikes said.
The school corporation came under fire in March 2009 when the U.S. Department of Education cited it for retaliating against a student who reported seeing a high school staff member fondle a student athlete.
According to federal officials, the student trainer reported seeing the state-certified and licensed trainer inappropriately touch a volleyball player in the training room in October 2007. The student was then forced to resign as a student trainer.
He was also prevented from serving as a student volunteer for the high school baseball team the next spring, according to the findings of the federal investigation.
The school corporation was ordered by the U.S. Department of Education to agree to policy revisions that include verbal warnings to employees who retaliate against a complainant, educating students and staff on their right to file a grievance if they feel retaliated against for reporting a possible violation and training of select administrators on the revisions to the policy and guidelines.
The Indiana State Police are now investigating whether there were any school corporation employees aware of the alleged affair, but failed to notify authorities.
School Superintendent Judy DeMuth and Feikes said recently that Ashcraft resigned at the November 2008 meeting and they had no knowledge of an affair between Ashcraft and the girl at that time.
DeMuth, in a published report, said she hadn't heard of the alleged affair until Ashcraft's December 2009 arrest.
But La Porte teacher Greg Samuelson spoke to the board at that same November 2008 meeting and questioned why some coaches were allowed to resign under allegations of sexual abuse without school corporation officials investigating.
Feikes, fellow board member Ron Gigliotti and Samuelson all confirmed officials never questioned Samuelson following the meeting.
"He isn't credible," Feikes said in defense of the board's decision not to question Samuelson. "Greg has lawsuits against the corporation all the time and he hasn't won a single one. He isn't credible."
Asked if, in hindsight, it was a mistake for the board not to talk to Samuelson, Feikes said, "No. I don't care what he said, he wasn't and isn't credible."
La Porte City Police Sgt. Paul Brettin said Monday he spoke with high school officials in December 2008 after an anonymous tip, but no one present at the meeting had any knowledge of the alleged affair.
"It was just a fact-finding mission," said Brettin, who wouldn't reveal who exactly was at the meeting. "They cooperated fully and said they had no knowledge of any sexual relationship (between a coach and player)."
Detectives also conducted interviews with potential witnesses, but the investigation stalled when police failed to find a single witness to the alleged crime.
"Everyone claimed to know about it, but no one would come forward," Brettin said.
The investigation was inactive, but remained open until last fall, when the original tipster contacted police again and repeated concerns about the coach.
Brettin handed the investigation off to a Indiana State Police Detective Gretchen Deal, who was working with the city police on an unrelated case.
DeMuth did not return a phone call for this story.
Stan Maddux contributed to this story.
Chris Schable is the executive editor of The Michigan City News-Dispatch.
State police taking closer look at how much school officials knew about alleged sexual relationship between coach, teen
Chris Schable
Staff Writer
The Indiana State Police began an official investigation into the La Porte Community School Corp. on Monday following the arrest last month of a former high school coach.
The investigation stems from the arrest of Robert Ashcraft on Dec. 17, 2009. Ashcraft allegedly had an ongoing sexual relationship with an underage volleyball player.
Indiana State Police Sgt. Ann Wojas confirmed Monday the case "has been assigned to an investigator, the school corporation has been contacted by that investigator and they are cooperating."
"The investigation is taking place as a follow-up (to Ashcraft's arrest) to make sure there is no impropriety there," Wojas said.
The 45-year-old Fish Lake man was charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
According to the allegations in La Porte Circuit Court, Ashcraft was an assistant girls volleyball coach when he and the then-15-year-old player began a sexual relationship in fall 2007.
Ashcraft allegedly resigned at a November 2008 school board meeting.
The La Porte School Board announced last week it will hire a private investigator to find out if any administrators and staff knew about an alleged sexual relationship between the former coach and player.
School Board President Mitch Feikes said the decision to hire an outside investigator is in response to "rumors and innuendo" that some faculty members knew about the alleged relationship between Ashcraft and the teen, but did not report it to the proper authorities.
"It's important to know exactly what went on, to clear the names and reputations (of the innocent)," Feikes said.
The school corporation came under fire in March 2009 when the U.S. Department of Education cited it for retaliating against a student who reported seeing a high school staff member fondle a student athlete.
According to federal officials, the student trainer reported seeing the state-certified and licensed trainer inappropriately touch a volleyball player in the training room in October 2007. The student was then forced to resign as a student trainer.
He was also prevented from serving as a student volunteer for the high school baseball team the next spring, according to the findings of the federal investigation.
The school corporation was ordered by the U.S. Department of Education to agree to policy revisions that include verbal warnings to employees who retaliate against a complainant, educating students and staff on their right to file a grievance if they feel retaliated against for reporting a possible violation and training of select administrators on the revisions to the policy and guidelines.
The Indiana State Police are now investigating whether there were any school corporation employees aware of the alleged affair, but failed to notify authorities.
School Superintendent Judy DeMuth and Feikes said recently that Ashcraft resigned at the November 2008 meeting and they had no knowledge of an affair between Ashcraft and the girl at that time.
DeMuth, in a published report, said she hadn't heard of the alleged affair until Ashcraft's December 2009 arrest.
But La Porte teacher Greg Samuelson spoke to the board at that same November 2008 meeting and questioned why some coaches were allowed to resign under allegations of sexual abuse without school corporation officials investigating.
Feikes, fellow board member Ron Gigliotti and Samuelson all confirmed officials never questioned Samuelson following the meeting.
"He isn't credible," Feikes said in defense of the board's decision not to question Samuelson. "Greg has lawsuits against the corporation all the time and he hasn't won a single one. He isn't credible."
Asked if, in hindsight, it was a mistake for the board not to talk to Samuelson, Feikes said, "No. I don't care what he said, he wasn't and isn't credible."
La Porte City Police Sgt. Paul Brettin said Monday he spoke with high school officials in December 2008 after an anonymous tip, but no one present at the meeting had any knowledge of the alleged affair.
"It was just a fact-finding mission," said Brettin, who wouldn't reveal who exactly was at the meeting. "They cooperated fully and said they had no knowledge of any sexual relationship (between a coach and player)."
Detectives also conducted interviews with potential witnesses, but the investigation stalled when police failed to find a single witness to the alleged crime.
"Everyone claimed to know about it, but no one would come forward," Brettin said.
The investigation was inactive, but remained open until last fall, when the original tipster contacted police again and repeated concerns about the coach.
Brettin handed the investigation off to a Indiana State Police Detective Gretchen Deal, who was working with the city police on an unrelated case.
DeMuth did not return a phone call for this story.
Stan Maddux contributed to this story.
Chris Schable is the executive editor of The Michigan City News-Dispatch.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jan 19 2010, 01:06 PM
http://heraldargus.com/articles/2010/01/18/news/local/doc4b549ab3c878e588381877.txt
QUOTE
School board to hold special meeting Tuesday
Details sketchy as purpose of meeting
Published: Monday, January 18, 2010 11:41 AM CST
The La Porte School Board and administration will meet Tuesday, January 19, 2010, at the Education Services Center.
According to a meeting agenda released by the school corporation Monday, the “special meeting” will begin with an Executive Session at 5:30 p.m.
The executive session is not open to the public, however, state statute prevents the school board and administration from making decisions in executive sessions outside of public view.
According to the agenda, the regular, public meeting will immediately follow the executive session.
Unlike previous agendas released to the public, no exact time was listed on the agenda, which, according to state statute, allows the school board to begin the public meeting any time after 5:30 p.m.
The regular school board agenda includes allotted time for public comment, personnel recommendations and board comment.
Those wishing to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting must complete a blue card distributed at the Educational Services Center and submit it to School Board President Mitch Feikes prior to the beginning of the public meeting.
For more information, contact the Educational Services Center at 219-324-9347.
A reason for the meeting and a detailed list of personnel recommendations the board plans to discuss and act upon is not known as repeated attempts by The Herald-Argus to contact School Superintendent Judy DeMuth went unanswered.
Details sketchy as purpose of meeting
Published: Monday, January 18, 2010 11:41 AM CST
The La Porte School Board and administration will meet Tuesday, January 19, 2010, at the Education Services Center.
According to a meeting agenda released by the school corporation Monday, the “special meeting” will begin with an Executive Session at 5:30 p.m.
The executive session is not open to the public, however, state statute prevents the school board and administration from making decisions in executive sessions outside of public view.
According to the agenda, the regular, public meeting will immediately follow the executive session.
Unlike previous agendas released to the public, no exact time was listed on the agenda, which, according to state statute, allows the school board to begin the public meeting any time after 5:30 p.m.
The regular school board agenda includes allotted time for public comment, personnel recommendations and board comment.
Those wishing to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting must complete a blue card distributed at the Educational Services Center and submit it to School Board President Mitch Feikes prior to the beginning of the public meeting.
For more information, contact the Educational Services Center at 219-324-9347.
A reason for the meeting and a detailed list of personnel recommendations the board plans to discuss and act upon is not known as repeated attempts by The Herald-Argus to contact School Superintendent Judy DeMuth went unanswered.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jan 20 2010, 04:52 PM
Every single person who knew about these activities and did not report them to the proper authorizes deserves to be publicly disgraced and fired.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/01/20/news/local/doc4b5693e98a5c0036327467.txt
QUOTE
School Board hires firm for its own investigation
Will spend $250 an hour regarding former coach
By Alicia Ebaugh
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 4:18 AM CST
LA PORTE — The same night Superintendent Judith DeMuth spoke of La Porte Community School Corp.’s “nightmare” $1.6 million budget cut coming from the state, the School Board unanimously voted to spend $250 an hour on a private investigator — with no limit on how much money will be spent.
The hiring of Larry Evans, an attorney with Valparaiso firm Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans, was approved Tuesday. He is supposed to find out whether any administrators or staff knew about former high school volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft’s alleged sexual relationship with a player.
There is no time or cost limit for the investigation, DeMuth said.
“This is ridiculous. There is already an investigation started by the (Indiana) State Police,” said La Porte resident Randy Mumms, who spoke at the meeting. “This is a waste of people’s money.”
DeMuth said the school district was “just made aware” State Police was going to investigate the same issue, and that they made the decision to hire Evans before they found out. Administrators can legally contract for services before those contracts are brought before the board publicly for approval, School Board attorney William Kaminski said.
School Board President Mitch Feikes said the board could have voted against hiring Evans, but didn’t because the investigator will look at a different aspect of what may have happened than State Police will.
“Theirs is strictly a criminal investigation,” Feikes said. “We have certain policies and procedures in place our employees are supposed to follow in reporting things like this ... our investigation will look into whether that happened. It’s internal.”
Indiana State Police Sgt. Ann Wojas confirmed early last week the case “has been assigned to an investigator, the school corporation has been contacted by that investigator and they are cooperating.”
The investigation stems from Ashcraft’s arrest Dec. 17. Ashcraft, 45, Fish Lake, was charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
According to the allegations in La Porte Circuit Court, Ashcraft was an assistant girls volleyball coach when he and the then-15-year-old player began a sexual relationship in fall 2007.
Ashcraft allegedly resigned at a November 2008 School Board meeting.
Evans has been a labor and employment lawyer for 30 years and conducted hundreds of similar internal investigations for corporations, Kaminski said. When asked whether district employees will legally have to cooperate with the investigation, DeMuth said she “can’t answer that.”
Tuesday’s special School Board meeting was not on the board’s meeting schedule until Monday. A La Porte police officer attended the special meeting, which attendees said was unusual. DeMuth said the School Board wanted to meet that night because it “had other personnel issues to take care of,” and was already meeting for the public work session on the budget cut.
School Board members also approved the consent agenda from the meeting, which included other personnel recommendations and travel requests. That agenda will not be made available until Wednesday.
Will spend $250 an hour regarding former coach
By Alicia Ebaugh
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 4:18 AM CST
LA PORTE — The same night Superintendent Judith DeMuth spoke of La Porte Community School Corp.’s “nightmare” $1.6 million budget cut coming from the state, the School Board unanimously voted to spend $250 an hour on a private investigator — with no limit on how much money will be spent.
The hiring of Larry Evans, an attorney with Valparaiso firm Hoeppner, Wagner & Evans, was approved Tuesday. He is supposed to find out whether any administrators or staff knew about former high school volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft’s alleged sexual relationship with a player.
There is no time or cost limit for the investigation, DeMuth said.
“This is ridiculous. There is already an investigation started by the (Indiana) State Police,” said La Porte resident Randy Mumms, who spoke at the meeting. “This is a waste of people’s money.”
DeMuth said the school district was “just made aware” State Police was going to investigate the same issue, and that they made the decision to hire Evans before they found out. Administrators can legally contract for services before those contracts are brought before the board publicly for approval, School Board attorney William Kaminski said.
School Board President Mitch Feikes said the board could have voted against hiring Evans, but didn’t because the investigator will look at a different aspect of what may have happened than State Police will.
“Theirs is strictly a criminal investigation,” Feikes said. “We have certain policies and procedures in place our employees are supposed to follow in reporting things like this ... our investigation will look into whether that happened. It’s internal.”
Indiana State Police Sgt. Ann Wojas confirmed early last week the case “has been assigned to an investigator, the school corporation has been contacted by that investigator and they are cooperating.”
The investigation stems from Ashcraft’s arrest Dec. 17. Ashcraft, 45, Fish Lake, was charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
According to the allegations in La Porte Circuit Court, Ashcraft was an assistant girls volleyball coach when he and the then-15-year-old player began a sexual relationship in fall 2007.
Ashcraft allegedly resigned at a November 2008 School Board meeting.
Evans has been a labor and employment lawyer for 30 years and conducted hundreds of similar internal investigations for corporations, Kaminski said. When asked whether district employees will legally have to cooperate with the investigation, DeMuth said she “can’t answer that.”
Tuesday’s special School Board meeting was not on the board’s meeting schedule until Monday. A La Porte police officer attended the special meeting, which attendees said was unusual. DeMuth said the School Board wanted to meet that night because it “had other personnel issues to take care of,” and was already meeting for the public work session on the budget cut.
School Board members also approved the consent agenda from the meeting, which included other personnel recommendations and travel requests. That agenda will not be made available until Wednesday.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Mar 5 2010, 10:16 AM
http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/03/05/news/local/doc4b908f6bdd417401254116.txt
QUOTE
Former VB coach was asked to resign
New info contradicts School Board president
By Chris Schable
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, March 5, 2010 4:17 AM CST
LA PORTE — School officials asked an alleged sex offender to resign at least two weeks before the resignation was approved — even providing him a resignation letter prepared by the school — and were documenting his relationship with the alleged victim.
The information, obtained from e-mails released by the La Porte Community Schools this week, contradicts a statement La Porte School Board President Mitch Feikes made that assistant girls volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft was not asked to resign. School officials also said they had no knowledge of inappropriate conduct between Ashcraft and a then 15-year-old player.
Ashcraft, 45, was arrested Dec. 17, 2009, and charged with felony sexual misconduct with a minor and felony child seduction. According to the allegations in La Porte Circuit Court, Ashcraft, Fish Lake, was an assistant girls volleyball coach when he and a student athlete allegedly began a sexual relationship in fall 2007.
An Oct. 28, 2008, e-mail exchange between La Porte High volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo and a La Porte schools employee shows the administration was monitoring Ashcraft’s behavior before he was asked to resign.
In the e-mail, Lebo asked a school employee for details of an encounter the employee allegedly witnessed between Ashcraft and the alleged victim. The message references it wasn’t the first time allegations of misconduct were brought to Lebo’s attention.
“Is there any way you can e-mail me what you saw yesterday as you walked into the training room with Bob Ashcraft and (alleged victim)?” the e-mail reads. “I need everything documented and on file. It is a very long story, but I need to continue to document. I will fill you in later. Thanks, Marybeth.”
A day later, La Porte High Principal Greg Handel corresponded with Assistant Superintendent Jim Dermody, describing a meeting that took place earlier that day. The e-mail states he (Handel), La Porte High Athletic Director Ed Gilliland and Lebo met with Ashcraft and reviewed previous memos and directions given to him. Gilliland then, according to the e-mail, “reviewed the most recent observation of how the directions were not followed. (Ashcraft) agreed. (Gilliland) told him it was insubordination and asked for his immediate resignation. Ed produced a resignation letter and Bob signed it.”
La Porte Schools Superintendent Judy DeMuth and Feikes have both denied school administration or School Board members had any prior knowledge of an inappropriate relationship between Ashcraft and a volleyball team member when the board approved his resignation at a Nov. 11, 2008, School Board meeting. Feikes also denied allegations Ashcraft was terminated, as another board member first claimed, or that he was asked to resign.
In a story published Jan. 9, when questioned if Ashcraft resigned of his own accord or was asked to resign, Feikes said, “He resigned,” adding, “He resigned. That’s all I can say. He officially resigned.”
DeMuth, in a published report, said she hadn’t heard of the alleged affair until Ashcraft’s December 2009 arrest. Less than an hour after receiving Handel’s Oct. 29, 2008, e-mail, Dermody sent DeMuth an e-mail informing her of Ashcraft’s resignation that began, “The meeting with Bob Ashcraft was held today at LPHS.”
The following morning, Oct. 30, 2008, DeMuth relayed a report of Ashcraft’s resignation to members of the School Board, including Feikes.
Neither Dermody’s e-mail to DeMuth nor her e-mail to the School Board members mentioned Gilliland asked Ashcraft to resign.
Phone calls for comment were not returned by DeMuth, Gilliland, Lebo or Feikes.
Chris Schable is the executive editor of The La Porte Herald-Argus and The Michigan City News-Dispatch. He can be reached at cschable@heraldargus.com.
Time line of events
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008
6:12 a.m. — La Porte varsity volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo sends an e-mail to fellow a La Porte schools employee asking, “Is there any way you can e-mail me what you saw yesterday as you walked into the training room with Bob Ashcraft and (victim)? I need everything documented and on file. It is a very long story, but I need to continue to document.”
3:13 p.m. — La Porte schools employee responds to Lebo’s request, describing the scene in which, “(The victim) had her back to Bob with the back of her shirt lifted up and he was putting a Band-Aid on her middle back.”
5:35 p.m. — Jim Dermody e-mails Greg Handel and Ed Gilliland, asking, “Please let me know the time for tomorrow’s meeting.”
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
2:30 p.m. — Greg Handel, Ed Gilliland, Marybeth Lebo meet with Bob Ashcraft. Ashcraft submits his resignation.
3:02 p.m. — Handel e-mails Dermody describing the meeting with Ashcraft, saying “(Gilliland) ... asked for (Ashcraft’s) immediate resignation. Ed produced a resignation letter and Bob signed it.”
4:45 p.m. — Dermody e-mails DeMuth to inform her Ashcraft had resigned. The e-mail begins, “The meeting with Bob Ashcraft was held today at LPHS.”
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008
9 a.m. — DeMuth e-mails La Porte School Board members and informs them of Ashcraft’s resignation.
Nov. 11, 2008
Ashcraft’s resignation is officially accepted by the school board at a regularly scheduled meeting.
Dec. 17, 2009
Ashcraft is arrested and charged with felony sexual misconduct with a minor and felony child seduction.
Jan. 5, 2010
The La Porte School Board says it will hire an attorney from Valparaiso to investigate which administrators and staff, if any, knew about an alleged sexual relationship between Ashcraft and a teen player.
Jan. 9, 2010
A story reports, “(DeMuth and Feikes) said recently that Ashcraft resigned at the November 2008 meeting and they had no knowledge of an affair between Ashcraft and the girl at that time.”
Jan. 12, 2010
A story reports, “DeMuth, in a published report, said she hadn’t heard of the alleged affair until Ashcraft’s December 2009 arrest.”
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
La Porte Schools releases thousands of pages of corporation e-mails that contain the name “Ashcraft.” One of those e-mails states members of the school corporation administration wrote a letter of resignation, presented it to Ashcraft and asked him to sign it. He complied.
Previous
New info contradicts School Board president
By Chris Schable
Staff Writer
Published: Friday, March 5, 2010 4:17 AM CST
LA PORTE — School officials asked an alleged sex offender to resign at least two weeks before the resignation was approved — even providing him a resignation letter prepared by the school — and were documenting his relationship with the alleged victim.
The information, obtained from e-mails released by the La Porte Community Schools this week, contradicts a statement La Porte School Board President Mitch Feikes made that assistant girls volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft was not asked to resign. School officials also said they had no knowledge of inappropriate conduct between Ashcraft and a then 15-year-old player.
Ashcraft, 45, was arrested Dec. 17, 2009, and charged with felony sexual misconduct with a minor and felony child seduction. According to the allegations in La Porte Circuit Court, Ashcraft, Fish Lake, was an assistant girls volleyball coach when he and a student athlete allegedly began a sexual relationship in fall 2007.
An Oct. 28, 2008, e-mail exchange between La Porte High volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo and a La Porte schools employee shows the administration was monitoring Ashcraft’s behavior before he was asked to resign.
In the e-mail, Lebo asked a school employee for details of an encounter the employee allegedly witnessed between Ashcraft and the alleged victim. The message references it wasn’t the first time allegations of misconduct were brought to Lebo’s attention.
“Is there any way you can e-mail me what you saw yesterday as you walked into the training room with Bob Ashcraft and (alleged victim)?” the e-mail reads. “I need everything documented and on file. It is a very long story, but I need to continue to document. I will fill you in later. Thanks, Marybeth.”
A day later, La Porte High Principal Greg Handel corresponded with Assistant Superintendent Jim Dermody, describing a meeting that took place earlier that day. The e-mail states he (Handel), La Porte High Athletic Director Ed Gilliland and Lebo met with Ashcraft and reviewed previous memos and directions given to him. Gilliland then, according to the e-mail, “reviewed the most recent observation of how the directions were not followed. (Ashcraft) agreed. (Gilliland) told him it was insubordination and asked for his immediate resignation. Ed produced a resignation letter and Bob signed it.”
La Porte Schools Superintendent Judy DeMuth and Feikes have both denied school administration or School Board members had any prior knowledge of an inappropriate relationship between Ashcraft and a volleyball team member when the board approved his resignation at a Nov. 11, 2008, School Board meeting. Feikes also denied allegations Ashcraft was terminated, as another board member first claimed, or that he was asked to resign.
In a story published Jan. 9, when questioned if Ashcraft resigned of his own accord or was asked to resign, Feikes said, “He resigned,” adding, “He resigned. That’s all I can say. He officially resigned.”
DeMuth, in a published report, said she hadn’t heard of the alleged affair until Ashcraft’s December 2009 arrest. Less than an hour after receiving Handel’s Oct. 29, 2008, e-mail, Dermody sent DeMuth an e-mail informing her of Ashcraft’s resignation that began, “The meeting with Bob Ashcraft was held today at LPHS.”
The following morning, Oct. 30, 2008, DeMuth relayed a report of Ashcraft’s resignation to members of the School Board, including Feikes.
Neither Dermody’s e-mail to DeMuth nor her e-mail to the School Board members mentioned Gilliland asked Ashcraft to resign.
Phone calls for comment were not returned by DeMuth, Gilliland, Lebo or Feikes.
Chris Schable is the executive editor of The La Porte Herald-Argus and The Michigan City News-Dispatch. He can be reached at cschable@heraldargus.com.
Time line of events
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008
6:12 a.m. — La Porte varsity volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo sends an e-mail to fellow a La Porte schools employee asking, “Is there any way you can e-mail me what you saw yesterday as you walked into the training room with Bob Ashcraft and (victim)? I need everything documented and on file. It is a very long story, but I need to continue to document.”
3:13 p.m. — La Porte schools employee responds to Lebo’s request, describing the scene in which, “(The victim) had her back to Bob with the back of her shirt lifted up and he was putting a Band-Aid on her middle back.”
5:35 p.m. — Jim Dermody e-mails Greg Handel and Ed Gilliland, asking, “Please let me know the time for tomorrow’s meeting.”
Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008
2:30 p.m. — Greg Handel, Ed Gilliland, Marybeth Lebo meet with Bob Ashcraft. Ashcraft submits his resignation.
3:02 p.m. — Handel e-mails Dermody describing the meeting with Ashcraft, saying “(Gilliland) ... asked for (Ashcraft’s) immediate resignation. Ed produced a resignation letter and Bob signed it.”
4:45 p.m. — Dermody e-mails DeMuth to inform her Ashcraft had resigned. The e-mail begins, “The meeting with Bob Ashcraft was held today at LPHS.”
Thursday, Oct. 30, 2008
9 a.m. — DeMuth e-mails La Porte School Board members and informs them of Ashcraft’s resignation.
Nov. 11, 2008
Ashcraft’s resignation is officially accepted by the school board at a regularly scheduled meeting.
Dec. 17, 2009
Ashcraft is arrested and charged with felony sexual misconduct with a minor and felony child seduction.
Jan. 5, 2010
The La Porte School Board says it will hire an attorney from Valparaiso to investigate which administrators and staff, if any, knew about an alleged sexual relationship between Ashcraft and a teen player.
Jan. 9, 2010
A story reports, “(DeMuth and Feikes) said recently that Ashcraft resigned at the November 2008 meeting and they had no knowledge of an affair between Ashcraft and the girl at that time.”
Jan. 12, 2010
A story reports, “DeMuth, in a published report, said she hadn’t heard of the alleged affair until Ashcraft’s December 2009 arrest.”
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
La Porte Schools releases thousands of pages of corporation e-mails that contain the name “Ashcraft.” One of those e-mails states members of the school corporation administration wrote a letter of resignation, presented it to Ashcraft and asked him to sign it. He complied.
Previous
Posted by: southsiderMMX Mar 31 2010, 08:14 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/03/31/news/local/doc4bb2c92c0f360502181517.txt
QUOTE
Retired coach, parents rally to Lebo’s defense
Bob Wellinski/For The N-D Ken Schreiber speaks at Tuesday’s meeting.
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 4:17 AM CDT
LA PORTE — Parents and community members on Tuesday night asked for an end to the “kangaroo court” becoming of La Porte with its treatment of Head Volleyball Coach Marybeth Lebo.
During the La Porte Community School Corp. board’s special meeting, retired La Porte High School teacher and coach Ken Schreiber spoke against community members who claimed Lebo must have had knowledge of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft’s alleged sexual misconduct with a female athlete, and without any proof and asking for her resignation on top of it. He pointed out that Ashcraft’s case was being handled in a court of law, while Lebo wasn’t even given that benefit from public opinion.
“This isn’t a court of law, it’s a kangaroo court with an emphasis on innuendos, untruths and facts without any substantiation,” he said. “I’m embarrassed by the community of La Porte and these people who say they’re representing it.”
La Porte resident and parent James Maurer supported Schreiber, saying he hoped Lebo remained the head volleyball coach due to the way she treated players on the team.
“She cared about her players as complete individuals,” he said. “This leads me to believe she did not know about the problem with the volleyball coach.”
Joe Otis, Valparaiso, said he knows the coaches and the good they do, pointing out the large number of scholarships they’ve earned for their players, and said he was tired of the vicious trash being spewed about them by anonymous “cowards” online and at the end of newspaper stories, although he did commend those who spoke before the board about their concerns since they didn’t do it anonymously.
Taking no stance on innocence or guilt in the case, Miki Young, La Porte, begged for peace among members of the public, saying the disgust and hate being expressed by people in this case were causing more harm than good, and affecting more people than the remarks were aimed at.
“It’s easy to judge those you don’t have any kinship to,” she said. “And I have no right to cast any stones, but lives here are being damaged and will continue to be damaged... The words of rage hurt people.”
Bob Wellinski/For The N-D Ken Schreiber speaks at Tuesday’s meeting.
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 4:17 AM CDT
LA PORTE — Parents and community members on Tuesday night asked for an end to the “kangaroo court” becoming of La Porte with its treatment of Head Volleyball Coach Marybeth Lebo.
During the La Porte Community School Corp. board’s special meeting, retired La Porte High School teacher and coach Ken Schreiber spoke against community members who claimed Lebo must have had knowledge of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft’s alleged sexual misconduct with a female athlete, and without any proof and asking for her resignation on top of it. He pointed out that Ashcraft’s case was being handled in a court of law, while Lebo wasn’t even given that benefit from public opinion.
“This isn’t a court of law, it’s a kangaroo court with an emphasis on innuendos, untruths and facts without any substantiation,” he said. “I’m embarrassed by the community of La Porte and these people who say they’re representing it.”
La Porte resident and parent James Maurer supported Schreiber, saying he hoped Lebo remained the head volleyball coach due to the way she treated players on the team.
“She cared about her players as complete individuals,” he said. “This leads me to believe she did not know about the problem with the volleyball coach.”
Joe Otis, Valparaiso, said he knows the coaches and the good they do, pointing out the large number of scholarships they’ve earned for their players, and said he was tired of the vicious trash being spewed about them by anonymous “cowards” online and at the end of newspaper stories, although he did commend those who spoke before the board about their concerns since they didn’t do it anonymously.
Taking no stance on innocence or guilt in the case, Miki Young, La Porte, begged for peace among members of the public, saying the disgust and hate being expressed by people in this case were causing more harm than good, and affecting more people than the remarks were aimed at.
“It’s easy to judge those you don’t have any kinship to,” she said. “And I have no right to cast any stones, but lives here are being damaged and will continue to be damaged... The words of rage hurt people.”
Posted by: mcstumper Mar 31 2010, 09:36 PM
"The words of rage hurt people."
Nah, sorry. Child rape hurts. What you are seeing are the feelings of discomfort in people who just want this to go away.
A bad thing happened here. It is obvious that someone failed to act on behalf of this child and there is a strong probability that there was then a cover up by some school officials. The investigators will hopefully do their job and we will be made aware of who else acted inappropriately. Comments such as: "“She cared about her players as complete individuals. This leads me to believe she did not know about the problem with the volleyball coach.” are assinine.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Apr 1 2010, 06:57 AM
If the coach had knowledge, or even a suspicion of this before October 28, 2008, she should be fired. If not, leave her alone. To me, it is that simple.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 13 2010, 07:54 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/10/13/news/local/doc4cb3dc3e6c6e0733575342.txt
QUOTE
Investigation of coach may reach prosecutor
By Bridget Flynn
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 5:17 PM CDT
LA PORTE — A police investigation of La Porte Community School Corporation administrators regarding an alleged sexual relationship between an assistant volleyball coach and a player might be heading soon to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s office.
Deputy Prosecutor Chris Fronk said Monday that investigating Detective Mike Robinson of the Indiana State Police, has informed him that the findings of the investigation would be given to the prosecutor’s office shortly.
“I was advised by the detective that it would be ready soon, possibly this week,” Fronk said.
Fronk declined to give a time frame.
“The parents involved and the community involved would want me to review it thoroughly,” he explained.
When asked whether he expects charges to be filed as a result of the investigation, Fronk responded, “That would be pure speculation.”
Robert Ashcraft, 45, is out on bail awaiting trial on two charges of sexual misconduct with a minor, one a Class B felony and another a Class C felony, and one charge of child seduction, a Class D felony. He resigned as assistant volleyball coach in October 2008 and in December 2009 was charged with the felonies.
Allegations that school officials tried covering up the relationship between Ashcraft and the player are still being investigated by the Indiana State Police, along with an outside investigator hired by the school corporation. In January, the school district hired Valparaiso lawyer Larry Evans at $250 an hour to conduct an internal investigation.
Ashcraft faces a Dec. 6 trial in La Porte County Circuit Court.
Robinson could not be reached for comment.
By Bridget Flynn
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 5:17 PM CDT
LA PORTE — A police investigation of La Porte Community School Corporation administrators regarding an alleged sexual relationship between an assistant volleyball coach and a player might be heading soon to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s office.
Deputy Prosecutor Chris Fronk said Monday that investigating Detective Mike Robinson of the Indiana State Police, has informed him that the findings of the investigation would be given to the prosecutor’s office shortly.
“I was advised by the detective that it would be ready soon, possibly this week,” Fronk said.
Fronk declined to give a time frame.
“The parents involved and the community involved would want me to review it thoroughly,” he explained.
When asked whether he expects charges to be filed as a result of the investigation, Fronk responded, “That would be pure speculation.”
Robert Ashcraft, 45, is out on bail awaiting trial on two charges of sexual misconduct with a minor, one a Class B felony and another a Class C felony, and one charge of child seduction, a Class D felony. He resigned as assistant volleyball coach in October 2008 and in December 2009 was charged with the felonies.
Allegations that school officials tried covering up the relationship between Ashcraft and the player are still being investigated by the Indiana State Police, along with an outside investigator hired by the school corporation. In January, the school district hired Valparaiso lawyer Larry Evans at $250 an hour to conduct an internal investigation.
Ashcraft faces a Dec. 6 trial in La Porte County Circuit Court.
Robinson could not be reached for comment.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 15 2010, 08:22 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/10/15/news/local/doc4cb681a4adac9009835453.txt
QUOTE
LP schools probe may go to prosecutor today
By Chris Schable
Executive Editor
Published: Thursday, October 14, 2010 5:13 PM CDT
The results of the Indiana State Police investigation into La Porte Community School Corp. administrators and staff likely will be turned over to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s office today, according to Indiana State Police Det. Mike Robinson.
“I’m still typing it up, but I’m hoping to have it to them (this) morning,” Robinson said.
The investigation involves former La Porte High assistant volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft’s alleged sexual relationship with a player and what school board members, administration and staff might have known about the relationship before Ashcraft’s arrest.
Ashcraft, 45, was arrested Dec. 17, 2009, and charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
When reached Wednesday by phone, deputy prosecutor Chris Fronk would not confirm whether a decision to press charges against any school board members, administrators, officials and/or staff would be made by the Nov. 2 school board election.
Current school board members Carol Shinn-Big, Adam Schoof and Ron Gigliotti are seeking re-election.
“It’s kind of not my job to make people’s voting decisions,” Fronk said Wednesday. “It’s my job to make sure people who are breaking the law are held accountable and that people who aren’t breaking the law are not prosecuted unfairly.
“I’ve never been handed an investigation with thousands and thousands of pages and e-mails. It wouldn’t be fair to review the case watching the clock. You don’t dilly dally with it, but you don’t rush through it.”
School officials and school board members, including board president Mitch Feikes, claimed Ashcraft, at the time of his arrest, was not asked to resign, and that they had no knowledge of inappropriate conduct between Ashcraft and a then-15-year-old player when he submitted his resignation.
When contacted Jan. 6, Gigliotti confirmed Ashcraft was fired, but recanted those comments days later, claiming he “didn’t have a clear remembrance of what happened.”
La Porte Schools Superintendent Judith DeMuth said Gigliotti “must have misspoke,” and Feikes said “(Gigliotti) must have misunderstood the question.”
But e-mails released by the La Porte Community Schools proved officials did ask Ashcraft to resign — even providing him a resignation letter prepared by the school — and were documenting his relationship with the alleged victim.
In an e-mail dated Oct. 29, 2008, La Porte High Principal Greg Handel corresponded with then-Assistant Superintendent Jim Dermody describing a meeting that took place earlier that day. The e-mail states Handel, La Porte High Athletic Director Ed Gilliland and La Porte High volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo met with Ashcraft and reviewed previous memos and directions given to him. Gilliland then, according to the e-mail, “reviewed the most recent observation of how the directions were not followed. (Ashcraft) agreed. (Gilliland) told him it was insubordination and asked for his immediate resignation. Ed produced a resignation letter and Bob signed it.”
DeMuth also denied school administration or school board members had any prior knowledge of an inappropriate relationship between Ashcraft and a volleyball team member when the school board approved his resignation at a Nov. 11, 2008, school board meeting.
Dermody was named superintendent of New Prairie School Corp. over the summer.
Robinson confirmed recently that Handel, Gilliland and Lebo all refused to talk to Indiana State Police investigators.
A separate investigation into the incident is being carried out by private attorney Larry Evans, who was hired by the La Porte School Board at $250 an hour.
A source close to the La Porte School Board told The Herald-Argus recently the board will not make public the findings of the private investigator.
— Bridget Flynn contributed to this story.
q
Chris Schable is executive editor of The News-Dispatch and The Herald-Argus. He can be reached at cschable@heraldargus.com.
By Chris Schable
Executive Editor
Published: Thursday, October 14, 2010 5:13 PM CDT
The results of the Indiana State Police investigation into La Porte Community School Corp. administrators and staff likely will be turned over to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s office today, according to Indiana State Police Det. Mike Robinson.
“I’m still typing it up, but I’m hoping to have it to them (this) morning,” Robinson said.
The investigation involves former La Porte High assistant volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft’s alleged sexual relationship with a player and what school board members, administration and staff might have known about the relationship before Ashcraft’s arrest.
Ashcraft, 45, was arrested Dec. 17, 2009, and charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
When reached Wednesday by phone, deputy prosecutor Chris Fronk would not confirm whether a decision to press charges against any school board members, administrators, officials and/or staff would be made by the Nov. 2 school board election.
Current school board members Carol Shinn-Big, Adam Schoof and Ron Gigliotti are seeking re-election.
“It’s kind of not my job to make people’s voting decisions,” Fronk said Wednesday. “It’s my job to make sure people who are breaking the law are held accountable and that people who aren’t breaking the law are not prosecuted unfairly.
“I’ve never been handed an investigation with thousands and thousands of pages and e-mails. It wouldn’t be fair to review the case watching the clock. You don’t dilly dally with it, but you don’t rush through it.”
School officials and school board members, including board president Mitch Feikes, claimed Ashcraft, at the time of his arrest, was not asked to resign, and that they had no knowledge of inappropriate conduct between Ashcraft and a then-15-year-old player when he submitted his resignation.
When contacted Jan. 6, Gigliotti confirmed Ashcraft was fired, but recanted those comments days later, claiming he “didn’t have a clear remembrance of what happened.”
La Porte Schools Superintendent Judith DeMuth said Gigliotti “must have misspoke,” and Feikes said “(Gigliotti) must have misunderstood the question.”
But e-mails released by the La Porte Community Schools proved officials did ask Ashcraft to resign — even providing him a resignation letter prepared by the school — and were documenting his relationship with the alleged victim.
In an e-mail dated Oct. 29, 2008, La Porte High Principal Greg Handel corresponded with then-Assistant Superintendent Jim Dermody describing a meeting that took place earlier that day. The e-mail states Handel, La Porte High Athletic Director Ed Gilliland and La Porte High volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo met with Ashcraft and reviewed previous memos and directions given to him. Gilliland then, according to the e-mail, “reviewed the most recent observation of how the directions were not followed. (Ashcraft) agreed. (Gilliland) told him it was insubordination and asked for his immediate resignation. Ed produced a resignation letter and Bob signed it.”
DeMuth also denied school administration or school board members had any prior knowledge of an inappropriate relationship between Ashcraft and a volleyball team member when the school board approved his resignation at a Nov. 11, 2008, school board meeting.
Dermody was named superintendent of New Prairie School Corp. over the summer.
Robinson confirmed recently that Handel, Gilliland and Lebo all refused to talk to Indiana State Police investigators.
A separate investigation into the incident is being carried out by private attorney Larry Evans, who was hired by the La Porte School Board at $250 an hour.
A source close to the La Porte School Board told The Herald-Argus recently the board will not make public the findings of the private investigator.
— Bridget Flynn contributed to this story.
q
Chris Schable is executive editor of The News-Dispatch and The Herald-Argus. He can be reached at cschable@heraldargus.com.
Posted by: Ang Oct 19 2010, 09:52 AM
It's been my observations that when someone at a school corporation does something bad and gets caught it goes one of two ways:
1. They say, "You're caught, you need to quit" The person quits and it all goes away quietly. Nobody knows who knew what and the community is completely clueless as to what happened.
or
2. They say, "You're caught, you need to quit" and the person fights it, gets their name and "crimes" smeared all over the paper and in the community is totally aware of what the person did and how "awful" they are. (cases in point, Jeff Kuch and Tim Bietry)
I personally know of two situations where a person was caught looking at porn on school computers, one was adult porn, the other "kiddie" porn. Huge files were made concerning these porn issues and the individuals were confronted. Both resigned their positions, one "retired" and the other left due to "health issues," and the public never had a clue that a pedophile was teaching their kids! (what shocked me more than anything was that one of the individuals was a teacher I had when I was at Elston)
Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 29 2010, 03:01 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2010/10/28/news/local/doc4cc338a86f72b347004795.txt
QUOTE
Ashcraft case turned over to prosecutor
By Stan Maddux
and Bridget Flynn
Staff Writers
Published: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 4:09 PM CDT
LA PORTE — The investigation into former La Porte High School assistant volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft’s alleged sexual relationship with a player and what school board members, administration and staff might have known about the relationship before his arrest is going forward.
Ashcraft, 45, was arrested Dec. 17, 2009, and charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
Indiana State Police Detective Mike Robinson said Friday afternoon that he has given his report regarding La Porte High School officials and staff to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office.
Robinson said he and Deputy Prosecutor Chris Fronk will meet to discuss the case when Fronk has completed reading the report.
“He’s got a lot of information to go over,” he said.
Robinson said the case report is more than 80 pages long and he gave Fronk enough additional information to fill a 3-inch binder.
By Stan Maddux
and Bridget Flynn
Staff Writers
Published: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 4:09 PM CDT
LA PORTE — The investigation into former La Porte High School assistant volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft’s alleged sexual relationship with a player and what school board members, administration and staff might have known about the relationship before his arrest is going forward.
Ashcraft, 45, was arrested Dec. 17, 2009, and charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
Indiana State Police Detective Mike Robinson said Friday afternoon that he has given his report regarding La Porte High School officials and staff to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office.
Robinson said he and Deputy Prosecutor Chris Fronk will meet to discuss the case when Fronk has completed reading the report.
“He’s got a lot of information to go over,” he said.
Robinson said the case report is more than 80 pages long and he gave Fronk enough additional information to fill a 3-inch binder.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jan 8 2011, 08:36 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/article_6c4de962-ab24-5d4c-a46b-65dd051c0785.html
QUOTE
New prosecutor reviewing LaPorte schools case
StoryDiscussionNew prosecutor reviewing LaPorte schools case
By Christine Kraly christine.kraly@nwi.com, (219) 662-5335 nwi.com | Posted: Friday, January 7, 2011 12:00 am | No Comments Posted
Font Size:Default font sizeLarger font size.LaPORTE | A criminal investigation of the LaPorte Community School Corp. has a new set of eyes.
New LaPorte County prosecutor Robert Szilagyi is reviewing the investigation of whether LaPorte school staff knew about, and failed to act on, an alleged sexual relationship between a volleyball coach and player.
Indiana State Police Detective Mike Robinson began investigating school administrators and staff soon after former junior varsity high school volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft was accused of conducting a sexual relationship with a then-15-year-old player.
Ashcraft was charged in December 2009 with sexual misconduct with a minor and child seduction. His trial is scheduled for March.
Szilagyi said this week he has just begun analyzing the "3-inch-thick" case, and does not have a set time frame for determining any charges.
Deputy prosecutor Chris Fronk had been reviewing the schools case closely since he received it from Robinson in October.
Robinson spent months scouring hundreds of thousands of school e-mails and attempting to conduct interviews with several administrators, some who declined to meet with him.
Szilagyi said he will be consulting with Fronk as he analyzes possible evidence.
Robinson encouraged patience from the public, saying such voluminous cases can be complex and require scrutiny.
He said he is confident Szilagyi's office will continue giving the case a thorough review.
StoryDiscussionNew prosecutor reviewing LaPorte schools case
By Christine Kraly christine.kraly@nwi.com, (219) 662-5335 nwi.com | Posted: Friday, January 7, 2011 12:00 am | No Comments Posted
Font Size:Default font sizeLarger font size.LaPORTE | A criminal investigation of the LaPorte Community School Corp. has a new set of eyes.
New LaPorte County prosecutor Robert Szilagyi is reviewing the investigation of whether LaPorte school staff knew about, and failed to act on, an alleged sexual relationship between a volleyball coach and player.
Indiana State Police Detective Mike Robinson began investigating school administrators and staff soon after former junior varsity high school volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft was accused of conducting a sexual relationship with a then-15-year-old player.
Ashcraft was charged in December 2009 with sexual misconduct with a minor and child seduction. His trial is scheduled for March.
Szilagyi said this week he has just begun analyzing the "3-inch-thick" case, and does not have a set time frame for determining any charges.
Deputy prosecutor Chris Fronk had been reviewing the schools case closely since he received it from Robinson in October.
Robinson spent months scouring hundreds of thousands of school e-mails and attempting to conduct interviews with several administrators, some who declined to meet with him.
Szilagyi said he will be consulting with Fronk as he analyzes possible evidence.
Robinson encouraged patience from the public, saying such voluminous cases can be complex and require scrutiny.
He said he is confident Szilagyi's office will continue giving the case a thorough review.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jan 18 2011, 10:18 AM
http://www.thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/01/18/news/local/doc4d3126800d7b7156859020.txt
QUOTE
Szilagyi: Ashcraft trial, then school charges considered
By Bridget Flynn
Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, January 15, 2011 5:09 PM CST
LA PORTE — La Porte County Prosecutor Robert Szilagyi said Friday deciding whether to file charges against La Porte school officials will be a priority at the conclusion of Robert Ashcraft’s trial.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Fronk is prosecuting Ashcraft, 46, Fish Lake, who was arrested Dec. 17, 2009, and charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction. He awaits a March 28 trial.
Indiana State Police began an investigation last January into the La Porte Community School Corp. and what school officials might have known regarding the relationship Ashcraft, a former assistant varsity volleyball coach, allegedly had with a volleyball player.
State Police detective Mike Robinson gave the results of his investigation into the school corporation to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office on Oct. 22, 2010.
“I’ve gone through it,” Szilagyi said, “and I want (Fronk) to go through it, and we’re going to butt heads together, but I don’t want to have him go through it until he’s completed with Ashcraft. I want him to be focused on that. I just don’t want it to interfere with that trial.”
Szilagyi said he has not considered reassigning the investigation.
Szilagyi said after the Ashcraft trial, it will be a priority for himself and Fronk to determine whether to file charges against school officials.
“There’s always a big difference between probable cause and reasonable doubt,” he added. “With just about anything you do, you can always find probable cause, but to me and most prosecutors, you don’t charge a case based on that alone. You’ve got to make sure that there’s enough evidence to go to trial and get the reasonable doubt conviction.”
Szilagyi said he intends to keep the public abreast of whether charges are filed against school officials, but added his communications on that matter will be limited because it’s “a case in review,” and he doesn’t want to affect the outcome of Ashcraft’s trial.
By Bridget Flynn
Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, January 15, 2011 5:09 PM CST
LA PORTE — La Porte County Prosecutor Robert Szilagyi said Friday deciding whether to file charges against La Porte school officials will be a priority at the conclusion of Robert Ashcraft’s trial.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Fronk is prosecuting Ashcraft, 46, Fish Lake, who was arrested Dec. 17, 2009, and charged with Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction. He awaits a March 28 trial.
Indiana State Police began an investigation last January into the La Porte Community School Corp. and what school officials might have known regarding the relationship Ashcraft, a former assistant varsity volleyball coach, allegedly had with a volleyball player.
State Police detective Mike Robinson gave the results of his investigation into the school corporation to the La Porte County Prosecutor’s Office on Oct. 22, 2010.
“I’ve gone through it,” Szilagyi said, “and I want (Fronk) to go through it, and we’re going to butt heads together, but I don’t want to have him go through it until he’s completed with Ashcraft. I want him to be focused on that. I just don’t want it to interfere with that trial.”
Szilagyi said he has not considered reassigning the investigation.
Szilagyi said after the Ashcraft trial, it will be a priority for himself and Fronk to determine whether to file charges against school officials.
“There’s always a big difference between probable cause and reasonable doubt,” he added. “With just about anything you do, you can always find probable cause, but to me and most prosecutors, you don’t charge a case based on that alone. You’ve got to make sure that there’s enough evidence to go to trial and get the reasonable doubt conviction.”
Szilagyi said he intends to keep the public abreast of whether charges are filed against school officials, but added his communications on that matter will be limited because it’s “a case in review,” and he doesn’t want to affect the outcome of Ashcraft’s trial.
Posted by: Ang Jan 18 2011, 10:31 AM
Wow! A Prosecuting Attorney who communicates with the press! That's virutally unheard of in LP County! Will wonders never cease? 
Posted by: lighter Mar 28 2011, 06:19 PM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/article_96085a17-c4f3-50ce-872b-f3c901788c94.html
LaPorte school's chief has new job
By Christine Kraly christine.kraly@nwi.com, (219) 662-5335 nwitimes.com | Posted: Monday, March 28, 2011 5:45 pm | Comments Posted
LAPORTE | Judith DeMuth, superintendent of the LaPorte Community School Corp., has been named the new chief for Monroe County schools.
DeMuth was named the new superintendent of the Bloomington-based Monroe County Community School Corp. on Monday in a unanimous board decision, Jim Muehling, Monroe County board president, said.
Muehling called DeMuth an "competent, confident" candidate, who withstood scrutiny from several school personnel -- as well as members of the Monroe County community who played an active role in recruiting the new superintendent.
Muehling said the terms of DeMuth's contract still are being worked out, but it would start July 1, and her salary will be at least $185,000 a year.
DeMuth could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.
DeMuth is planning a LaPorte exit as questions still linger over whether her administration reacted properly when learning of an alleged sexual relationship between a high school volleyball coach and a player.
Before a recent delay, Robert Ashcraft's trial had been set to begin Monday, the day DeMuth won the Bloomington job.
Ashcraft, a former assistant junior varsity volleyball coach, was charged in December 2009 with sexual misconduct with a minor and child seduction.
This past fall, Indiana State Police also completed an investigation into the school district's possible role in the alleged crimes. Prosecutors have said they will not decide whether to pursue charges against other LaPorte school personnel until after Ashcraft's trial.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Mar 29 2011, 06:47 AM
I can't believe that people would hire someone in this situation. It is an eerie parallel to the catholic church situation.
Posted by: taxthedeer Mar 29 2011, 07:08 AM
It's my understanding that one of the big reasons Dr. Demuth chose to relocate to Bloomington is to be near her youngest son who is a Freshmen at Indiana University and is going to be the starting ace on Hoosier baseball team, perfect timing with the start of baseball season. All her kids have now graduated high school and it's time for her to move on. Her older daughters are great athletes as well.
Posted by: Ang Mar 31 2011, 10:49 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/03/31/news/local/doc4d929da01d1af806968166.txt
QUOTE
Ashcraft trial pushed back to late June
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
LA PORTE — The trial of former La Porte High School volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft has been pushed back to June 27 due to a change of information on one of his charges.
Prosecuting Attorney Robert Szilagyi said the change was necessitated by corrective information on Ashcraft’s Class D felony charge for sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
“It’s basically how something was worded,” he said. “It’s not a new charge.”
As the charge was written, he said it referred to acts before the victim’s 16th birthday, when it was supposed to be for sexual misconduct for a minor 16 years of age or older. He said it originally covered events from February to June before the girl was 16, and now it went from June to September after she was 16.
But Ashcraft’s lawyer Steve Snyder said the charge, as originally written, only applied for a nine- or 10-day period of time. Now it is extended by three months. He said he learned of the change only days before trial.
“This was the first I heard of it,” he said. “With three additional months I was totally unprepared for, it required a continuance.”
Snyder said he had been prepared for events up to June 2008. He said this expands it to September 2008.
Snyder and Szilagyi both said an additional Class B felony was also added within recent weeks due to the discovery of another allegation from the victim within the time frame before her 16th birthday. They said this extra charge did not cause the continuance.
Ashcraft, 46, now has a total of four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct, and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
These charges stem from allegations that Ashcraft engaged in sexual activity with a female player.
He resigned as assistant volleyball coach in October 2008 and, in December 2009, was hit with criminal charges.
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
LA PORTE — The trial of former La Porte High School volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft has been pushed back to June 27 due to a change of information on one of his charges.
Prosecuting Attorney Robert Szilagyi said the change was necessitated by corrective information on Ashcraft’s Class D felony charge for sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
“It’s basically how something was worded,” he said. “It’s not a new charge.”
As the charge was written, he said it referred to acts before the victim’s 16th birthday, when it was supposed to be for sexual misconduct for a minor 16 years of age or older. He said it originally covered events from February to June before the girl was 16, and now it went from June to September after she was 16.
But Ashcraft’s lawyer Steve Snyder said the charge, as originally written, only applied for a nine- or 10-day period of time. Now it is extended by three months. He said he learned of the change only days before trial.
“This was the first I heard of it,” he said. “With three additional months I was totally unprepared for, it required a continuance.”
Snyder said he had been prepared for events up to June 2008. He said this expands it to September 2008.
Snyder and Szilagyi both said an additional Class B felony was also added within recent weeks due to the discovery of another allegation from the victim within the time frame before her 16th birthday. They said this extra charge did not cause the continuance.
Ashcraft, 46, now has a total of four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct, and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
These charges stem from allegations that Ashcraft engaged in sexual activity with a female player.
He resigned as assistant volleyball coach in October 2008 and, in December 2009, was hit with criminal charges.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jun 29 2011, 11:20 AM
As much as the coach deserves to be convicted for this, someone needs to file a suit to find out why school officials didn't follow the laws of reporting these sort of incidents to the proper authorities
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/06/29/news/local/doc4e09372a4416f799449241.txt
QUOTE
Ashcraft jury selection begins
By Matt Fritz
Staff writer
Published: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
LA PORTE — The amount of pretrial publicity seen in local media influenced the decision to have jury selection split for the trial of Robert Ashcraft, said Circuit Court Judge Tom Alevizos.
During the first day of jury selection Monday, Alevizos had prospective jurors separated into two groups — those who were aware of the investigation in Ashcraft’s case and those who were not.
The latter, which constituted 19 of the prospective jurors, were dismissed for the day so they wouldn’t be tainted by any talk or discussion coming forth from the interviews of the other trial members.
Alevizos kept 31 prospective jurors in the courtroom that day for private interviews with the prosecution and defense. Today, jurors who professed no knowledge of the investigation are expected to be present for their interviews as the jury is selected for the case.
*
Alevizos reminded jurors that a man’s liberty is at stake. He also told them they were not to read or watch any news stories regarding the case or talk to anyone about it.
He said he expects the trial to last more than a week.
A former assistant volleyball coach at La Porte High School, Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
These charges stem from allegations that Ashcraft engaged in sexual activity with a female player.
He resigned as assistant volleyball coach in October 2008 and, in December 2009, was charged.
By Matt Fritz
Staff writer
Published: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
LA PORTE — The amount of pretrial publicity seen in local media influenced the decision to have jury selection split for the trial of Robert Ashcraft, said Circuit Court Judge Tom Alevizos.
During the first day of jury selection Monday, Alevizos had prospective jurors separated into two groups — those who were aware of the investigation in Ashcraft’s case and those who were not.
The latter, which constituted 19 of the prospective jurors, were dismissed for the day so they wouldn’t be tainted by any talk or discussion coming forth from the interviews of the other trial members.
Alevizos kept 31 prospective jurors in the courtroom that day for private interviews with the prosecution and defense. Today, jurors who professed no knowledge of the investigation are expected to be present for their interviews as the jury is selected for the case.
*
Alevizos reminded jurors that a man’s liberty is at stake. He also told them they were not to read or watch any news stories regarding the case or talk to anyone about it.
He said he expects the trial to last more than a week.
A former assistant volleyball coach at La Porte High School, Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
These charges stem from allegations that Ashcraft engaged in sexual activity with a female player.
He resigned as assistant volleyball coach in October 2008 and, in December 2009, was charged.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jun 30 2011, 09:14 AM
http://articles.southbendtribune.com/2011-06-29/news/29720120_1_felony-sexual-misconduct-class-d-felony-child-defense-attorney-steve-snyder
QUOTE
Former volleyball coach's trial begins in LaPorte
June 29, 2011|By STAN MADDUX | South Bend Tribune Correspondent
LAPORTE -- A former LaPorte volleyball coach was in love with a then-15 year-old player and she had a crush on him.
That's according to prosecutors in their opening statements today in the trial of Robert Ashcraft, 46, of Hudson Lake, who is charged with two counts of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor; Class C felony sexual misconduct and Class D felony child seduction.
LaPorte County Deputy Prosecutor Chris Fronk told the 12-member jury that the evidence includes letters to the girl from Ashcraft proclaiming his love for her and desire to one day build her a fancy house.
In those letters, Fronk said, Ashcraft tells the girl ''you make me feel loved. This goes beyond the sex.''
Fronk said the two met at a volleyball club that was partly owned by Ashcraft east of LaPorte, and soon they began texting each other.
Ashcraft was assistant coach on the LaPorte High School junior varsity girls volleyball team when the girl in 2007 made the squad.
Defense attorney Steve Snyder of Michigan City told jurors the allegations arise from ''an ax to grind'' by former players of Ashcraft and a teacher with ''a history of trying to embarrass the school system.''
Snyder also said he will prove some of the alleged sexual encounters did not happen on the dates the girl claims and could not have occurred at some of the locations.
''The defense is going to show you it's not the truth,'' Snyder said.
According to courtroom officials, the trial is expected to last two weeks.
June 29, 2011|By STAN MADDUX | South Bend Tribune Correspondent
LAPORTE -- A former LaPorte volleyball coach was in love with a then-15 year-old player and she had a crush on him.
That's according to prosecutors in their opening statements today in the trial of Robert Ashcraft, 46, of Hudson Lake, who is charged with two counts of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor; Class C felony sexual misconduct and Class D felony child seduction.
LaPorte County Deputy Prosecutor Chris Fronk told the 12-member jury that the evidence includes letters to the girl from Ashcraft proclaiming his love for her and desire to one day build her a fancy house.
In those letters, Fronk said, Ashcraft tells the girl ''you make me feel loved. This goes beyond the sex.''
Fronk said the two met at a volleyball club that was partly owned by Ashcraft east of LaPorte, and soon they began texting each other.
Ashcraft was assistant coach on the LaPorte High School junior varsity girls volleyball team when the girl in 2007 made the squad.
Defense attorney Steve Snyder of Michigan City told jurors the allegations arise from ''an ax to grind'' by former players of Ashcraft and a teacher with ''a history of trying to embarrass the school system.''
Snyder also said he will prove some of the alleged sexual encounters did not happen on the dates the girl claims and could not have occurred at some of the locations.
''The defense is going to show you it's not the truth,'' Snyder said.
According to courtroom officials, the trial is expected to last two weeks.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 6 2011, 07:23 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/07/05/news/local/doc4e0e8ff492a5d261966224.txt
QUOTE
Woman: ‘I couldn’t hide it anymore’
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, July 2, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
La PORTE — “Everything came to the point where I couldn’t hide it anymore,” said the alleged victim of former La Porte High School volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft.
She spoke Friday during the third day of Ashcraft’s criminal trial in La Porte Circuit Court.
The trial is concerned with the times between February 2008 and Oct. 28, 2008, when the former coach allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse with an underage former player on his La Porte High School junior varsity volleyball team.
Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
*
The alleged victim, now 19, said she wasn’t coerced, trapped, cornered or fed answers by investigators when she was taken to the La Porte Police station in November 2009 and confessed to what had allegedly happened to her. She was 17 at the time of the confession.
When the prosecution asked her to recount that day, she said her father picked her up from work and told her she had to come with him. She said she notified Ashcraft via cell phone that something was wrong, and alleged that he told her not to tell the police anything.
She had been taken to the police station before and denied a relationship with Ashcraft.
“I knew if I said anything that everything I’ve known and put faith in would fall apart,” she explained.
But this time was different. When her father took her to the station, she decided not to hide her alleged relationship with her former volleyball coach any longer, even though she said she was still in love with him.
She described how Ashcraft fondled her in the school’s storage closet, his coach’s office, his pickup truck and the volleyball team’s training room during 2008.
She told jurors she had sex with the suspect about 25 times over the course of their relationship.
The prosecution focused on five alleged instances of sex in 2008, which reportedly happened in the last week of May, the first week of June, the second and third weeks of July, and a later date in August. On these occasions, the alleged victim said she left her home, telling her family she was going for a jog, but instead went to meet Aschcraft in his truck and later engaged in sexual acts with him.
He allegedly didn’t use a condom.
“Sad. Angry. Upset.”
Those were the words she used to describe her feelings after the interview when she realized all the dreams she said she talked about with Ashcraft would not come true.
This included his alleged intentions of following her to college, having children with her and starting a life together where he would leave his wife and support her instead.
She said they even had a name for their first child: Isabella.
The alleged victim said she originally got to know the suspect when he coached her volleyball team at the Dunes Volleyball Club in January 2007. She said her mother became sick during this time so Aschcraft became her primary ride to practice. In May 2007, when she was 14 years old, Ashcraft allegedly sent her a text message saying he loved her. A week later she reciprocated.
“It made me feel really happy,” she said. “No one [but family members] ever said they loved me.”
When he later became her coach on the La Porte junior varsity volleyball team, she gave him the combination to her locker so he could leave her messages and snacks, she said.
The trial will continue Tuesday at 8 a.m.
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Saturday, July 2, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
La PORTE — “Everything came to the point where I couldn’t hide it anymore,” said the alleged victim of former La Porte High School volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft.
She spoke Friday during the third day of Ashcraft’s criminal trial in La Porte Circuit Court.
The trial is concerned with the times between February 2008 and Oct. 28, 2008, when the former coach allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse with an underage former player on his La Porte High School junior varsity volleyball team.
Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
*
The alleged victim, now 19, said she wasn’t coerced, trapped, cornered or fed answers by investigators when she was taken to the La Porte Police station in November 2009 and confessed to what had allegedly happened to her. She was 17 at the time of the confession.
When the prosecution asked her to recount that day, she said her father picked her up from work and told her she had to come with him. She said she notified Ashcraft via cell phone that something was wrong, and alleged that he told her not to tell the police anything.
She had been taken to the police station before and denied a relationship with Ashcraft.
“I knew if I said anything that everything I’ve known and put faith in would fall apart,” she explained.
But this time was different. When her father took her to the station, she decided not to hide her alleged relationship with her former volleyball coach any longer, even though she said she was still in love with him.
She described how Ashcraft fondled her in the school’s storage closet, his coach’s office, his pickup truck and the volleyball team’s training room during 2008.
She told jurors she had sex with the suspect about 25 times over the course of their relationship.
The prosecution focused on five alleged instances of sex in 2008, which reportedly happened in the last week of May, the first week of June, the second and third weeks of July, and a later date in August. On these occasions, the alleged victim said she left her home, telling her family she was going for a jog, but instead went to meet Aschcraft in his truck and later engaged in sexual acts with him.
He allegedly didn’t use a condom.
“Sad. Angry. Upset.”
Those were the words she used to describe her feelings after the interview when she realized all the dreams she said she talked about with Ashcraft would not come true.
This included his alleged intentions of following her to college, having children with her and starting a life together where he would leave his wife and support her instead.
She said they even had a name for their first child: Isabella.
The alleged victim said she originally got to know the suspect when he coached her volleyball team at the Dunes Volleyball Club in January 2007. She said her mother became sick during this time so Aschcraft became her primary ride to practice. In May 2007, when she was 14 years old, Ashcraft allegedly sent her a text message saying he loved her. A week later she reciprocated.
“It made me feel really happy,” she said. “No one [but family members] ever said they loved me.”
When he later became her coach on the La Porte junior varsity volleyball team, she gave him the combination to her locker so he could leave her messages and snacks, she said.
The trial will continue Tuesday at 8 a.m.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 6 2011, 07:26 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/07/05/news/local/doc4e0d46a9b5871536239765.txt
QUOTE
Witness: Interaction with coach ‘not normal’
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Friday, July 1, 2011 5:09 PM CDT
LA PORTE — “The problem with the program is it’s not about the truth with La Porte volleyball,” said former La Porte High School volleyball player Molly Ribordy during testimony Thursday at La Porte Circuit Court.
Ribordy, 19, said coaches must have been aware that inappropriate behaviors were going on between former junior varsity volleyball coach Robert Aschcraft and one of his players during the 2007 volleyball season at La Porte High School.
Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
Ribordy said the inappropriate behavior included Ashcraft and the alleged victim’s constant close contact around practice and game time, the coach’s efforts in rubbing cream on the player’s back while her shirt was half way up before practice, and the alleged victim sitting between his legs while watching TV around the time of one tournament.
*
“It was not normal player and coach interaction,” Ribordy said.
She also noted that the coach and player came five to 10 minutes late everyday to the small gym, and were never punished for it by the program’s head coach.
She pointed out that parents also had expressed concerns to the coaches. During the previous day’s testimony, parent Damon Gasaway said he talked to head varsity volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo about the behavior he heard concerning Ashcraft, which he said resulted in her requiring all male coaches to never be alone with a female player.
Ribordy said Lebo also forbade players from texting Ashcraft. But the behavior continued. She said this left her feeling helpless.
“I had no one I could go to, there was no one I could trust,” Ribordy said.
When she was questioned by Defense Attorney Steve Snyder about why she didn’t talk to any adults running the program about the problem, she said she didn’t think it would have done any good.
“Obviously they let it go on for so long they weren’t going to do anything about it anyway.”
Ribordy’s mother Jan, who is now a member of the La Porte Community School Board, testified to seeing the alleged victim with her shirt pulled up to her neck while Ashcraft rubbed Icy Hot on her back. This happened in front of the bleachers around game time. She tipped police off about the matter in 2009.
She said she waited until her daughter was out of the program before she contacted police because she didn’t want her to be punished by the coaches there.
Another witness called by prosecutors Thursday was parent Dawn Leonard of Elkhart, whose daughter played alongside the alleged victim when she was on the Dunes volleyball club team. Ashcraft was a coach in the program, too.
She said the alleged victim was texted by Ashcraft during a trip to a volleyball tournament in Wisconsin in 2008. Leonard said the girl was driving with Leonard’s family because her mother was sick. The mother also gave them instructions not to let her daughter text. But she said the girl texted during the entire trip. When she confiscated the phone from her, Leonard said she recognized the number as Ashcraft’s. One of the texts asked the alleged victim to recall a time Ashcraft pushed her up against the wall and had intercourse with her.
The phone did not belong to the girl. Leonard said she asked the alleged victim where she got the cell phone from, and the girl told her it was from a friend. When Leonard called that phone’s number, she learned it belonged to Ashcraft’s wife.
Snyder asked her what date the message was sent. When Leonard said she didn’t know, he raised the possibility of the message being sent before the trip, when the phone would have been in Ashcraft’s wife’s possession. He also mentioned that since the phone belonged to his wife, Ashcraft might have thought he was texting her and not the alleged victim.
The trial continues today.
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Friday, July 1, 2011 5:09 PM CDT
LA PORTE — “The problem with the program is it’s not about the truth with La Porte volleyball,” said former La Porte High School volleyball player Molly Ribordy during testimony Thursday at La Porte Circuit Court.
Ribordy, 19, said coaches must have been aware that inappropriate behaviors were going on between former junior varsity volleyball coach Robert Aschcraft and one of his players during the 2007 volleyball season at La Porte High School.
Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
Ribordy said the inappropriate behavior included Ashcraft and the alleged victim’s constant close contact around practice and game time, the coach’s efforts in rubbing cream on the player’s back while her shirt was half way up before practice, and the alleged victim sitting between his legs while watching TV around the time of one tournament.
*
“It was not normal player and coach interaction,” Ribordy said.
She also noted that the coach and player came five to 10 minutes late everyday to the small gym, and were never punished for it by the program’s head coach.
She pointed out that parents also had expressed concerns to the coaches. During the previous day’s testimony, parent Damon Gasaway said he talked to head varsity volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo about the behavior he heard concerning Ashcraft, which he said resulted in her requiring all male coaches to never be alone with a female player.
Ribordy said Lebo also forbade players from texting Ashcraft. But the behavior continued. She said this left her feeling helpless.
“I had no one I could go to, there was no one I could trust,” Ribordy said.
When she was questioned by Defense Attorney Steve Snyder about why she didn’t talk to any adults running the program about the problem, she said she didn’t think it would have done any good.
“Obviously they let it go on for so long they weren’t going to do anything about it anyway.”
Ribordy’s mother Jan, who is now a member of the La Porte Community School Board, testified to seeing the alleged victim with her shirt pulled up to her neck while Ashcraft rubbed Icy Hot on her back. This happened in front of the bleachers around game time. She tipped police off about the matter in 2009.
She said she waited until her daughter was out of the program before she contacted police because she didn’t want her to be punished by the coaches there.
Another witness called by prosecutors Thursday was parent Dawn Leonard of Elkhart, whose daughter played alongside the alleged victim when she was on the Dunes volleyball club team. Ashcraft was a coach in the program, too.
She said the alleged victim was texted by Ashcraft during a trip to a volleyball tournament in Wisconsin in 2008. Leonard said the girl was driving with Leonard’s family because her mother was sick. The mother also gave them instructions not to let her daughter text. But she said the girl texted during the entire trip. When she confiscated the phone from her, Leonard said she recognized the number as Ashcraft’s. One of the texts asked the alleged victim to recall a time Ashcraft pushed her up against the wall and had intercourse with her.
The phone did not belong to the girl. Leonard said she asked the alleged victim where she got the cell phone from, and the girl told her it was from a friend. When Leonard called that phone’s number, she learned it belonged to Ashcraft’s wife.
Snyder asked her what date the message was sent. When Leonard said she didn’t know, he raised the possibility of the message being sent before the trip, when the phone would have been in Ashcraft’s wife’s possession. He also mentioned that since the phone belonged to his wife, Ashcraft might have thought he was texting her and not the alleged victim.
The trial continues today.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 7 2011, 07:12 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/07/08/news/local/doc4e13d431d8e15551341639.txt
QUOTE
Volleyball player testifies in Ashcraft case
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 5:09 PM CDT
LA PORTE — A former La Porte volleyball player alleging sexual relations between herself and a former coach while she was underage has inconsistencies in her story, said defense attorney Steve Snyder Tuesday.
Snyder questioned the alleged victim during the fourth day of Robert Ashcraft’s criminal trial Tuesday in La Porte County Circuit Court.
Snyder’s defense that day focused on the inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s past statements, inconsistencies with both the statements she made during different interviews, and with the apparent official schedules of the volleyball program at Dunes.
Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
*
Snyder pointed out that during her first interview with investigators in November of 2009, the alleged victim reportedly told police the first act of fondling happened between her and the suspect in April of 2008.
This date changed to February of 2008 during a later deposition.
At the trial, the alleged victim told the defense this answer changed because she didn’t really think about the exact time during the first interview.
But when Snyder focused on the dates it could have happened on, he said it didn’t match with other records.
In past testimony, the alleged suspect said the incident happened in the suspect’s pickup truck outside the Dunes Operation Center in Rolling Prairie, where she played volleyball. Ashcraft was also a coach there. She said it happened when both she and her sister had practice at the center, and while her mother was gone. It also happened on the side of the center where practice occurred. She said the first incident happened on the old side.
Snyder said only two days fit this description in February, and during both days the alleged victim was playing at the new side of the building, as apparent team schedules from the month showed. The alleged victim had testified that the fondling happened at the old side.
At the trial said she didn’t know if the schedules were accurate, but said the side of the building this event happened on was dependent on the side her sister practiced on, and not the side she was on.
When he pointed out that her past testimony only mentioned her side and not her sister’s, the alleged victim said she had probably been confused by the question before.
Snyder also pointed out that at least 90 people were using the center at these times, and that it was odd that none of them would have passed outside and saw her and the suspect in the truck together.
The alleged victim pointed out that the windows were tinted and it was dark out so passersby would have had a hard time seeing them.
Snyder said the truck windows were no darker than the factory tint.
When he questioned her on not remembering the exact date of the first incident of sexual intercourse, which she could only only narrow to late May of 2008, she said the incident wasn’t a topic she thought about on a daily basis, and was something she was trying to put behind her.
The alleged victim also admitted to lying to the police on several occasions, including a time when she was interviewed in 2008. During this interview, which was the first one she had with police officers, she denied any sexual relationship between her and Ashcraft. But her story changed when she went in for questioning in November of 2009.
When asked about this inconsistency, the alleged victim said she originally wanted to protect Ashcraft because she loved him, but later had doubts about how good the relationship was.
She said Ashcraft got angry at her when she went to a dance with a boy and was later enraged when he learned about another boy wanting to ask her to the prom.
”There was just this control of my life that I was realizing more and more was there that wasn’t there in 2008,” she said.
Snyder also pointed out an inconsistency when the alleged victim told him during her deposition that she and Ashcraft communicated in June of 2008 by text messages. It was later established that she didn’t have a phone with texting enabled at the time. The alleged victim said she might have been confused about the time when asked during the deposition.
Snyder followed that up by asking if this meant she lied under oath. She said “yes.”
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 5:09 PM CDT
LA PORTE — A former La Porte volleyball player alleging sexual relations between herself and a former coach while she was underage has inconsistencies in her story, said defense attorney Steve Snyder Tuesday.
Snyder questioned the alleged victim during the fourth day of Robert Ashcraft’s criminal trial Tuesday in La Porte County Circuit Court.
Snyder’s defense that day focused on the inconsistencies in the alleged victim’s past statements, inconsistencies with both the statements she made during different interviews, and with the apparent official schedules of the volleyball program at Dunes.
Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
*
Snyder pointed out that during her first interview with investigators in November of 2009, the alleged victim reportedly told police the first act of fondling happened between her and the suspect in April of 2008.
This date changed to February of 2008 during a later deposition.
At the trial, the alleged victim told the defense this answer changed because she didn’t really think about the exact time during the first interview.
But when Snyder focused on the dates it could have happened on, he said it didn’t match with other records.
In past testimony, the alleged suspect said the incident happened in the suspect’s pickup truck outside the Dunes Operation Center in Rolling Prairie, where she played volleyball. Ashcraft was also a coach there. She said it happened when both she and her sister had practice at the center, and while her mother was gone. It also happened on the side of the center where practice occurred. She said the first incident happened on the old side.
Snyder said only two days fit this description in February, and during both days the alleged victim was playing at the new side of the building, as apparent team schedules from the month showed. The alleged victim had testified that the fondling happened at the old side.
At the trial said she didn’t know if the schedules were accurate, but said the side of the building this event happened on was dependent on the side her sister practiced on, and not the side she was on.
When he pointed out that her past testimony only mentioned her side and not her sister’s, the alleged victim said she had probably been confused by the question before.
Snyder also pointed out that at least 90 people were using the center at these times, and that it was odd that none of them would have passed outside and saw her and the suspect in the truck together.
The alleged victim pointed out that the windows were tinted and it was dark out so passersby would have had a hard time seeing them.
Snyder said the truck windows were no darker than the factory tint.
When he questioned her on not remembering the exact date of the first incident of sexual intercourse, which she could only only narrow to late May of 2008, she said the incident wasn’t a topic she thought about on a daily basis, and was something she was trying to put behind her.
The alleged victim also admitted to lying to the police on several occasions, including a time when she was interviewed in 2008. During this interview, which was the first one she had with police officers, she denied any sexual relationship between her and Ashcraft. But her story changed when she went in for questioning in November of 2009.
When asked about this inconsistency, the alleged victim said she originally wanted to protect Ashcraft because she loved him, but later had doubts about how good the relationship was.
She said Ashcraft got angry at her when she went to a dance with a boy and was later enraged when he learned about another boy wanting to ask her to the prom.
”There was just this control of my life that I was realizing more and more was there that wasn’t there in 2008,” she said.
Snyder also pointed out an inconsistency when the alleged victim told him during her deposition that she and Ashcraft communicated in June of 2008 by text messages. It was later established that she didn’t have a phone with texting enabled at the time. The alleged victim said she might have been confused about the time when asked during the deposition.
Snyder followed that up by asking if this meant she lied under oath. She said “yes.”
Posted by: bandaid19 Jul 7 2011, 07:47 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/article_c5e608d7-4cf4-51c8-9bd0-85dc4c0b86ff.html?mode=story
This is the one that I'm just amazed about.
Posted by: Ang Jul 7 2011, 10:57 AM
The thing that sickens me the most about this is the fact that the prosecution is going to attack this girl and challenge her credibility. She is a CHILD for crying out loud, and she never in a million years thought it might come to this, so yeah, her dates are confused and events are jumbled around in her head. I'm sure she didn't keep a diary in the event she ended up in court.
She was taken advantage of by an adult whom she trusted and believed in. Now she is going to be persecuted for coming forward.
This whole situation is just WRONG and I guarantee you, if this were my child, the man wouldn't have his day in court, his day would be in Church all dressed up in a pine box!!!!!
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 8 2011, 02:11 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/07/07/news/local/doc4e15404a14f9a474835735.txt
QUOTE
Alleged victim has last day of testimony
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Thursday, July 7, 2011 5:22 PM CDT
LA PORTE — Robert Ashcraft’s alleged victim would not commit herself Wednesday to exact dates or times for alleged instances of fondling and intercourse between her and her former coach in July, September and October of 2008.
During her last day of testimony at Ashcraft’s criminal trial on Wednesday, she told the defense she could not remember the exact dates she participated in sexual acts with her former high school volleyball coach, who was 43 years old at the time of the incidents and she was only 16.
First, defense attorney Steve Snyder tried to pin her down on more specific times than just the second and third weeks of July 2008 for her second and third alleged instances of sexual intercourse with the defendant.
The alleged victim said the incidents happened in the afternoon in the defendant’s pickup truck in an area by La Porte County Fairgrounds.
*
But Snyder pointed out that a kids volleyball camp run by the La Porte High School volleyball program would have been happening throughout the second week of July during this specified time.
When asked if she would have been at the camp, the alleged victim said she couldn’t recall, pointing out that players didn’t have to attend these events, although they were expected to. They could also call off with various excuses.
For the third week in July, Snyder pointed out that the alleged victim would have been engaged in team camp in Rolling Prairie for at least two of those days while Ashcraft would have been a coach at the camp on two separate days, ruling out four days the event could have happened.
The alleged victim said she didn’t know if Ashcraft spent all day at the team camp or left for extended periods, allowing him to visit her.
Snyder said this would require Ashcraft being absent from the camp for least an hour and 15 minutes to leave, have sex with the alleged victim and get back.
For the three acts of fonding alleged to have occurred at La Porte High School in September, Snyder learned from the alleged victim that the second event was on a Tuesday or Thursday and coincided with practice, the third event was in the training room and coincided with a game, and none of the three events happened in the same week. They also occurred after school was out.
For the two fondling events alleged for October, Snyder narrowed the first down to Oct. 3 due to a tournament the alleged victim said proceeded it, and the third to a Wednesday, because the alleged victim recalled Ashcraft telling her the week was half over. Both events again happened at the school, the first in the storage room by the field house and the second in the coach’s office.
During cross examination, La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Fronk asked if the dates the alleged victim gave were set in stone, or if would they change if the practice and tryout dates Snyder alleged changed too. She said they would because she didn’t remember the incidents by dates, but by the events happening around them.
The prosecution also called forth expert witness Hector Maldonado, document examiner for the FBI laboratory division, who testified that the hand writing on letters provided to him by the prosecution matched the handwriting of Ashcraft. The contents of these letters were not explained, but one of the words Maldonado read off during his explanation matched a nickname Fronk said Ashcraft used in letters to his alleged victim.
Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Thursday, July 7, 2011 5:22 PM CDT
LA PORTE — Robert Ashcraft’s alleged victim would not commit herself Wednesday to exact dates or times for alleged instances of fondling and intercourse between her and her former coach in July, September and October of 2008.
During her last day of testimony at Ashcraft’s criminal trial on Wednesday, she told the defense she could not remember the exact dates she participated in sexual acts with her former high school volleyball coach, who was 43 years old at the time of the incidents and she was only 16.
First, defense attorney Steve Snyder tried to pin her down on more specific times than just the second and third weeks of July 2008 for her second and third alleged instances of sexual intercourse with the defendant.
The alleged victim said the incidents happened in the afternoon in the defendant’s pickup truck in an area by La Porte County Fairgrounds.
*
But Snyder pointed out that a kids volleyball camp run by the La Porte High School volleyball program would have been happening throughout the second week of July during this specified time.
When asked if she would have been at the camp, the alleged victim said she couldn’t recall, pointing out that players didn’t have to attend these events, although they were expected to. They could also call off with various excuses.
For the third week in July, Snyder pointed out that the alleged victim would have been engaged in team camp in Rolling Prairie for at least two of those days while Ashcraft would have been a coach at the camp on two separate days, ruling out four days the event could have happened.
The alleged victim said she didn’t know if Ashcraft spent all day at the team camp or left for extended periods, allowing him to visit her.
Snyder said this would require Ashcraft being absent from the camp for least an hour and 15 minutes to leave, have sex with the alleged victim and get back.
For the three acts of fonding alleged to have occurred at La Porte High School in September, Snyder learned from the alleged victim that the second event was on a Tuesday or Thursday and coincided with practice, the third event was in the training room and coincided with a game, and none of the three events happened in the same week. They also occurred after school was out.
For the two fondling events alleged for October, Snyder narrowed the first down to Oct. 3 due to a tournament the alleged victim said proceeded it, and the third to a Wednesday, because the alleged victim recalled Ashcraft telling her the week was half over. Both events again happened at the school, the first in the storage room by the field house and the second in the coach’s office.
During cross examination, La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Fronk asked if the dates the alleged victim gave were set in stone, or if would they change if the practice and tryout dates Snyder alleged changed too. She said they would because she didn’t remember the incidents by dates, but by the events happening around them.
The prosecution also called forth expert witness Hector Maldonado, document examiner for the FBI laboratory division, who testified that the hand writing on letters provided to him by the prosecution matched the handwriting of Ashcraft. The contents of these letters were not explained, but one of the words Maldonado read off during his explanation matched a nickname Fronk said Ashcraft used in letters to his alleged victim.
Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 11 2011, 08:58 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/07/10/news/local/doc4e167a5b63952440827457.txt
QUOTE
Blanket yields positive DNA results
By Matt Fritz
For the News Dispatch
Published: Friday, July 8, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
LA PORTE — Samples from a blanket found in Robert Ashcraft’s truck yielded positive DNA results for both Ashcraft and his alleged victim.
But no definitive links to sex were made.
During the sixth day of Ashcraft’s criminal trial, Shawn Flagg, a forensic DNA analyst for the Indiana State Police Laboratory, said DNA from the alleged victim was positively identified on three samples from the blanket while Aschraft’s DNA was positively lifted from one sample.
She said there were also three mixed samples composed of two people’s DNA. In one sample Ashcraft was positively identified while another person was not (the alleged victim, however was not excluded as a possible match) and another sample positively identified the alleged victim while Ashcraft was not excluded as a possible match for the other person. The third sample didn’t have any positive identification.
*
When questioned about the possibility of the samples just being skin cells deposited when someone wiped sweat off his or her head, Flagg said it was possible, but pointed out that the strength of the samples found on the 3 millimeter by 3 millimeter pieces of material didn’t suggest that. She said skin cells were more broadly spread and larger samples were usually taken to get positive results for them.
She said the concentration suggested a bodily fluid, such as blood or seminal fluid.
A previous witness, Serologist Kimberly Anderson, testified that seven areas of the blanket were identified to contain amylase (an enzyme found in high concentrations in saliva and vaginal fluids) and one area of phosphatase (an enzyme usually associated with seminal fluid).
She said there was no semen located in the phosphatase section, but explained that the person who left it could have had a vasectomy, low sperm count, sterile or had unevenly distributed sperm.
Defense attorney Steve Snyder said the prosecution was welcome to check his client for a vasectomy or sterility if the state paid for it. He then asked the judge to stop the prosecution from bringing up these possibilities again if it didn’t choose to do so. The judge said he’d have to look into the matter.
In other court matters, the legal counsel for the La Porte Community School Corporation told the defense that head varsity volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo would be advised to plead the fifth if she was subpoenaed as a witness for the trial, unless she is granted immunity by the prosecution.
This is due to a secondary investigation conducted by the state police on what administrators and staff might have known about the relationship between Ashcraft and his alleged victim. The investigation is finished but the prosecution still hasn’t made a decision on whether or not to press charges.
Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
By Matt Fritz
For the News Dispatch
Published: Friday, July 8, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
LA PORTE — Samples from a blanket found in Robert Ashcraft’s truck yielded positive DNA results for both Ashcraft and his alleged victim.
But no definitive links to sex were made.
During the sixth day of Ashcraft’s criminal trial, Shawn Flagg, a forensic DNA analyst for the Indiana State Police Laboratory, said DNA from the alleged victim was positively identified on three samples from the blanket while Aschraft’s DNA was positively lifted from one sample.
She said there were also three mixed samples composed of two people’s DNA. In one sample Ashcraft was positively identified while another person was not (the alleged victim, however was not excluded as a possible match) and another sample positively identified the alleged victim while Ashcraft was not excluded as a possible match for the other person. The third sample didn’t have any positive identification.
*
When questioned about the possibility of the samples just being skin cells deposited when someone wiped sweat off his or her head, Flagg said it was possible, but pointed out that the strength of the samples found on the 3 millimeter by 3 millimeter pieces of material didn’t suggest that. She said skin cells were more broadly spread and larger samples were usually taken to get positive results for them.
She said the concentration suggested a bodily fluid, such as blood or seminal fluid.
A previous witness, Serologist Kimberly Anderson, testified that seven areas of the blanket were identified to contain amylase (an enzyme found in high concentrations in saliva and vaginal fluids) and one area of phosphatase (an enzyme usually associated with seminal fluid).
She said there was no semen located in the phosphatase section, but explained that the person who left it could have had a vasectomy, low sperm count, sterile or had unevenly distributed sperm.
Defense attorney Steve Snyder said the prosecution was welcome to check his client for a vasectomy or sterility if the state paid for it. He then asked the judge to stop the prosecution from bringing up these possibilities again if it didn’t choose to do so. The judge said he’d have to look into the matter.
In other court matters, the legal counsel for the La Porte Community School Corporation told the defense that head varsity volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo would be advised to plead the fifth if she was subpoenaed as a witness for the trial, unless she is granted immunity by the prosecution.
This is due to a secondary investigation conducted by the state police on what administrators and staff might have known about the relationship between Ashcraft and his alleged victim. The investigation is finished but the prosecution still hasn’t made a decision on whether or not to press charges.
Ashcraft, 46, is facing four felony charges, including two charges of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, one charge of Class C felony sexual misconduct and one charge of Class D sexual misconduct with a minor over the age of 16.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 12 2011, 11:08 AM
Herald Argus
Jury to begin deliberations in the Ashcraft trial today around 3 p.m. Be sure to check the paper tomorrow or log on to our website after 5 p.m. Wednesday for updates
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 12 2011, 12:24 PM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/article_f27cfc4c-1570-58ea-813e-5b9e0a01ceef.html
QUOTE
LAPORTE | Prosecutors and the defense attorneys in the trial of a former assistant volleyball coach at LaPorte High School rested their cases Tuesday morning. Closing arguments were scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday.
Robert Ashcraft, 46, is on trial in LaPorte Circuit Court, charged with three felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one felony count of child seduction in connection with an alleged sexual relationship with the former player, who was 15 at the time.
Judge Tom Alevizos told those in the courtroom Tuesday that jury deliberations will begin no later than 3:30 p.m.
Prosecutors said on Tuesday that during the seizure of Ashcraft's pickup truck police found anabolic steroids.
Prosecutors had asked to present two rebuttal witnesses Tuesday -- a pathologist and a chemist -- who would testify that taking steroids reduces a man's sperm count -- statements that would corroborate prior testimony that possible seminal fluid, but no sperm cells, were found on the blanket retrieved from his pickup truck.
But Alevizos didn't allow the witnesses, saying at this point in the trial, portraying Ashcraft as an illegal steroid user would be prejucial.
Copyright 2011 nwitimes.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/article_f27cfc4c-1570-58ea-813e-5b9e0a01ceef.html#ixzz1Rutxy6N5
Robert Ashcraft, 46, is on trial in LaPorte Circuit Court, charged with three felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one felony count of child seduction in connection with an alleged sexual relationship with the former player, who was 15 at the time.
Judge Tom Alevizos told those in the courtroom Tuesday that jury deliberations will begin no later than 3:30 p.m.
Prosecutors said on Tuesday that during the seizure of Ashcraft's pickup truck police found anabolic steroids.
Prosecutors had asked to present two rebuttal witnesses Tuesday -- a pathologist and a chemist -- who would testify that taking steroids reduces a man's sperm count -- statements that would corroborate prior testimony that possible seminal fluid, but no sperm cells, were found on the blanket retrieved from his pickup truck.
But Alevizos didn't allow the witnesses, saying at this point in the trial, portraying Ashcraft as an illegal steroid user would be prejucial.
Copyright 2011 nwitimes.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/article_f27cfc4c-1570-58ea-813e-5b9e0a01ceef.html#ixzz1Rutxy6N5
Posted by: MCRogers1974 Jul 13 2011, 05:00 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/article_f27cfc4c-1570-58ea-813e-5b9e0a01ceef.html
LAPORTE | A jury found former LaPorte High School volleyball coach Bob Ashcraft guilty Tuesday night of sexual misconduct with a minor and child seduction.
The victim and her family choked back tears as the verdict was read. Ashcraft, 46, was immediately handcuffed and taken into custody by LaPorte County Sheriff's Department officers. He will be housed at LaPorte County Jail until his sentencing Aug. 9.
The LaPorte Circuit Court jury had deliberated for a little more than six hours after prosecutors and defense attorneys wrapped up their cases Tuesday.
Ashcraft was convicted of three felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one felony count of child seduction in connection with a sexual relationship with a former player, who was 15 at the time.
A slew of former teammates and their parents filled the courtroom gallery, as the victim and her parents listened as Deputy Prosecutor Chris Fronk laid out a pattern of abuse in his closing arguments.
Fronk said it all began in May 2007, when Ashcraft, who built up a trusted relationship with the victim and her family, abused that trust and his power of authority as her coach and began an illicit relationship with her. Fronk said the relationship included fondling, oral sex and sexual intercourse.
Fronk highlighted DNA evidence presented by experts, stating the likelihood that biological fluids from both Ashcraft and the victim were found on a blanket seized from his pickup truck. He also reminded the jury of many text messages between the two, lifted from a pay-as-you-go cellphone Ashcraft purchased for the girl. Fronk also read portions of a "love letter" found in Ashcraft's truck detailing the sexual relationship.
"It's not love when you're 43 and someone else is 16," Fronk said. "That's not love. That's a crime."
Fronk said he had everything he needed to prove that Ashcraft was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
"Everything but a confession," he said.
In his closing, defense attorney Steve Snyder stressed the significance of the dates alleged in the charges, saying the prosecution had no evidence of a sexual relationship and only could insinuate one through the victim's testimony.
"When you are short on hard evidence, you appeal to the jury's emotions and feelings," Snyder said.
Snyder said the victim was coaxed into fabricating dates and events to appease her parents. Snyder said that during a series of depositions, the girl's answers constantly changed.
"The information that she gave, I believe, was totally and completely false," Snyder told jurors.
Posted by: Ang Jul 13 2011, 09:49 AM
Evidently the Jurors didn't believe the girl's testimony was totally and completely false.
I'm glad to hear justice will be served and that poor girl can move on with her life.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 13 2011, 09:54 AM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jul 13 2011, 10:49 AM) 
Evidently the Jurors didn't believe the girl's testimony was totally and completely false.
I'm glad to hear justice will be served and that poor girl can move on with her life.
If it had been just her word against his it would have been one thing. But there was a lot of other witnesses and evidence from the sound of it.
Posted by: Ang Jul 13 2011, 10:46 AM
That blanket was pretty damning.
Posted by: bandaid19 Jul 13 2011, 11:42 AM
Now I'm hoping that the wave will continue... I hate to be so adamant about this, and I know the coach is popular. ANY SCHOOL OFFICIAL that knew about this, or had it reported to them and did nothing... should not be in that position any longer. This includes the school board members that had this reported to them by G. Samuelson. It's against the law for teachers to not report suspected abuse, and every school system has a protocol in place for dealing with suspicious behavior, including LPCSC. Swing that axe.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jul 13 2011, 11:47 AM
QUOTE(bandaid19 @ Jul 13 2011, 12:42 PM)
Now I'm hoping that the wave will continue... I hate to be so adamant about this, and I know the coach is popular. ANY SCHOOL OFFICIAL that knew about this, or had it reported to them and did nothing... should not be in that position any longer. This includes the school board members that had this reported to them by G. Samuelson. It's against the law for teachers to not report suspected abuse, and every school system has a protocol in place for dealing with suspicious behavior, including LPCSC. Swing that axe.
To me that is the most disturbing part about this whole ordeal. You can't really control an isolated student and coaches actions. If they want to hook up, there is pretty much nothing you can do to stop it. What you can control is the organizational response to this, and you are 100% correct in that the response to it by the LP Schools seems to have broken laws. That is just scary. You have to send your kids to school until they are 16, and if you can't afford to send them to a private school, (if you live in the LP district) you are going to be forced to send them somewhere that seemingly protects child molesters over students. That is just wrong.
Posted by: bandaid19 Jul 13 2011, 11:56 AM
old boys' network... apparently, if you have a lot of Ws in the column, old girl's network too.
Posted by: Ang Jul 13 2011, 11:58 AM
I so agree.....
What really disturbs me is the Head Coach pleading the 5th and possibly receiving immunity for her testimony. What exactly would she need immunity from?
My daughter is a LPCSC student and I am very concerned because of this. This situation makes home-schooling look a whole lot sweeter....
Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 5 2011, 07:36 AM
Hopefully LaPorte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi does not stop here. It is really important that any school officials who knew about this and did not report it to the next proper authority gets prosecuted. Knowing that students are safe from predators in a school system is massively important.
http://www.nwitimes.com/article_f71617b6-9359-5782-9ab7-8b41e4f6486a.html
QUOTE
LAPORTE | A 21-year prison sentence was given Thursday to a man convicted of having a sexual relationship with a female player he coached at LaPorte High School.
Family members of the victim telling stories of heartbreak and suffering asked for the maximum 51 year sentence for Robert Ashcraft, 46.
"I feel prison is not enough for Bob Ashcraft. He will not feel the pain inflicted upon my family no matter how long he is sentenced," said the father of the girl, who was 14 when she first met Ashcraft.
The now 19-year-old woman tearfully told the court she believed Ashcraft's promises they would spent the rest of their lives together, but later realized he manipulated her and hurt her even more by telling a jury she lied about their relationship.
"I trusted a man who promised me everything. I was betrayed and used by a man that I loved," the woman said.
Ashcraft was convicted last month by a LaPorte Circuit Court jury of two counts of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor; Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
LaPorte County Deputy Prosecutor Chris Fronk recommended a 30-year prison sentence while defense attorney Steve Snyder suggested a less than 10-year sentence on work release.
Ashcraft again professed his innocence and told the court he will appeal.
Testimony at trial revealed the girl and Ashcraft met in 2007 when she was playing at the Dunes Operation Center, a volleyball club he owns near Rolling Prairie.
The victim testified physical contact between she and Ashcraft began in his truck parked outside the volleyball club in 2008.
She said they would later arrange to meet near her house and he would drive her to secluded locations to have sex.
Prior to sentencing, the victim said she was blinded by Ashcraft and withdrew from friends and school functions to further their relationship.
She said she also lied to her parents to cover up and continue their union.
"My life completely revolved around Bob. He was my everything. My best friend," she said.
Her father told the court Ashcraft "had a hold" on his daughter who toward the end of their relationship promised she would stay away from the man only to keep seeing him behind his back.
"This man took my daughter and turned her into somebody I didn't know any more," he said.
Fronk said an elevated sentence was deserved because Ashcraft used his position of trust over the girl to prey then control her.
He also cited the testimony of a clinical psychologist who feels the victim could suffer lifelong consequences including difficulty maintaining lasting relationships and low self-esteem.
Afterward, defense attorney Steve Snyder said several pieces of evidence that could have proven Ashcraft's innocence were not allowed to be submitted at trial and will come up for a challenge on appeal.
"There were evidentiary rulings that we very clearly take strong exception to and I think on appeal you're going to see some matters reversed. That's what I believe," Snyder said.
LaPorte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi said no decision has been made on whether to charge any school administrators who might have known about the relationship.
Szilagyi said he and his staff are still evaluating all of the evidence and that decision should be made by the end of the month.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/article_f71617b6-9359-5782-9ab7-8b41e4f6486a.html#ixzz1UA3ks88b
Family members of the victim telling stories of heartbreak and suffering asked for the maximum 51 year sentence for Robert Ashcraft, 46.
"I feel prison is not enough for Bob Ashcraft. He will not feel the pain inflicted upon my family no matter how long he is sentenced," said the father of the girl, who was 14 when she first met Ashcraft.
The now 19-year-old woman tearfully told the court she believed Ashcraft's promises they would spent the rest of their lives together, but later realized he manipulated her and hurt her even more by telling a jury she lied about their relationship.
"I trusted a man who promised me everything. I was betrayed and used by a man that I loved," the woman said.
Ashcraft was convicted last month by a LaPorte Circuit Court jury of two counts of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor; Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
LaPorte County Deputy Prosecutor Chris Fronk recommended a 30-year prison sentence while defense attorney Steve Snyder suggested a less than 10-year sentence on work release.
Ashcraft again professed his innocence and told the court he will appeal.
Testimony at trial revealed the girl and Ashcraft met in 2007 when she was playing at the Dunes Operation Center, a volleyball club he owns near Rolling Prairie.
The victim testified physical contact between she and Ashcraft began in his truck parked outside the volleyball club in 2008.
She said they would later arrange to meet near her house and he would drive her to secluded locations to have sex.
Prior to sentencing, the victim said she was blinded by Ashcraft and withdrew from friends and school functions to further their relationship.
She said she also lied to her parents to cover up and continue their union.
"My life completely revolved around Bob. He was my everything. My best friend," she said.
Her father told the court Ashcraft "had a hold" on his daughter who toward the end of their relationship promised she would stay away from the man only to keep seeing him behind his back.
"This man took my daughter and turned her into somebody I didn't know any more," he said.
Fronk said an elevated sentence was deserved because Ashcraft used his position of trust over the girl to prey then control her.
He also cited the testimony of a clinical psychologist who feels the victim could suffer lifelong consequences including difficulty maintaining lasting relationships and low self-esteem.
Afterward, defense attorney Steve Snyder said several pieces of evidence that could have proven Ashcraft's innocence were not allowed to be submitted at trial and will come up for a challenge on appeal.
"There were evidentiary rulings that we very clearly take strong exception to and I think on appeal you're going to see some matters reversed. That's what I believe," Snyder said.
LaPorte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi said no decision has been made on whether to charge any school administrators who might have known about the relationship.
Szilagyi said he and his staff are still evaluating all of the evidence and that decision should be made by the end of the month.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/article_f71617b6-9359-5782-9ab7-8b41e4f6486a.html#ixzz1UA3ks88b
Posted by: Tim Aug 5 2011, 05:21 PM
Wow - 21 years. How old is this pervert? That's a lot of time to think about the consequences of having sex with children.
But hey Bob - good news! All kinds of relationship opportunities await you in prison. Though they may take some..... getting used to.
Hopefully this will serve as a warning to any other adult who even thinks about touching a child.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Aug 25 2011, 10:12 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/08/25/news/local/doc4e52f8e11f4cb767546157.txt
QUOTE
La Porte prosecutor continues investigation into Ashcraft case
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, August 23, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
LA PORTE — Prosecutors haven't pressed charges yet against any officials at La Porte Community Schools in regards to what they might have known about a sexual relationship between volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft and one of his players.
But they haven't necessarily limited their investigation to just them.
La Porte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi said they have been looking at everyone involved in the case, because state code requires that anyone suspecting child abuse must report it.
Indiana Code 31-33-5-3 says that "an individual who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect shall make a report."
*
"We're looking at everything," Szilagyi said, "but it all boils down to what everybody knew. If people think there's an inappropriate relationship, do they have a reason to believe something is happening? We have to be able to prove that beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Seeing it doesn't do it."
During Ashcraft's trial, several parents and players testified to seeing evidence of an inappropriate relationship, including physical contact and sexually explicit texts between the two.
But that didn't necessarily mean they suspected child abuse or sex, he said.
"They saw what they thought was inappropriate conduct," he said. "They have to have a reason to believe the child is subject to child abuse or neglect and I have to be able to prove that."
Right now his team has been focusing on who knew what and when.
He said their deadline in arriving at a decision will be in three or four weeks.
In related matters, he said he has approved charges against the boyfriend of Ashcraft's victim for assaulting a photographer after the sentencing hearing. He is being charged with a Class B misdemeanor for battery.
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, August 23, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
LA PORTE — Prosecutors haven't pressed charges yet against any officials at La Porte Community Schools in regards to what they might have known about a sexual relationship between volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft and one of his players.
But they haven't necessarily limited their investigation to just them.
La Porte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi said they have been looking at everyone involved in the case, because state code requires that anyone suspecting child abuse must report it.
Indiana Code 31-33-5-3 says that "an individual who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect shall make a report."
*
"We're looking at everything," Szilagyi said, "but it all boils down to what everybody knew. If people think there's an inappropriate relationship, do they have a reason to believe something is happening? We have to be able to prove that beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Seeing it doesn't do it."
During Ashcraft's trial, several parents and players testified to seeing evidence of an inappropriate relationship, including physical contact and sexually explicit texts between the two.
But that didn't necessarily mean they suspected child abuse or sex, he said.
"They saw what they thought was inappropriate conduct," he said. "They have to have a reason to believe the child is subject to child abuse or neglect and I have to be able to prove that."
Right now his team has been focusing on who knew what and when.
He said their deadline in arriving at a decision will be in three or four weeks.
In related matters, he said he has approved charges against the boyfriend of Ashcraft's victim for assaulting a photographer after the sentencing hearing. He is being charged with a Class B misdemeanor for battery.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 8 2011, 07:00 AM
Charges announced against LP Volleyball Coach and AD
http://laportecountyprosecutor.org/LaPorte_County_Prosecutor/Media/Entries/2011/9/7_Charges_filed_against_volleyball_coach_and_athletic_director..html
QUOTE
Charges filed against Volleyball Coach and Athletic Director
LA PORTE, IN -- The LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office formerly filed two counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect against the LaPorte High School Varsity volleyball coach, Mary Beth Lebo, and the LaPorte High School Athletic Director, Ed Gilliland. The charges are Class B misdemeanors punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1000.00. The charges are a result of the Indiana State Police investigation related to the arrest of Robert Ashcraft, the former LaPorte High School Junior Varsity volleyball coach, for sexual misconduct with a minor. The investigation was presented to the Prosecutor’s Office in November of 2010.
A separate charge has also been filed against the LaPorte Community School Corporation pursuant to a criminal statute for Corporate Criminal Culpability for the conduct of agents of the corporation while acting within the scope of their authority for the corporation.
These cases have significant legal issues which required extensive research for the Prosecutor’s staff.
Summonses have been issued for the defendants to appear before Judge Koethe in LaPorte Superior Court 3.
Due to the nature of the cases, the publicity generated, and the ethical considerations, no further statements or comments will be made during the pendency of the cases by the Prosecutor’s Office or law enforcement.
LA PORTE, IN -- The LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office formerly filed two counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect against the LaPorte High School Varsity volleyball coach, Mary Beth Lebo, and the LaPorte High School Athletic Director, Ed Gilliland. The charges are Class B misdemeanors punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1000.00. The charges are a result of the Indiana State Police investigation related to the arrest of Robert Ashcraft, the former LaPorte High School Junior Varsity volleyball coach, for sexual misconduct with a minor. The investigation was presented to the Prosecutor’s Office in November of 2010.
A separate charge has also been filed against the LaPorte Community School Corporation pursuant to a criminal statute for Corporate Criminal Culpability for the conduct of agents of the corporation while acting within the scope of their authority for the corporation.
These cases have significant legal issues which required extensive research for the Prosecutor’s staff.
Summonses have been issued for the defendants to appear before Judge Koethe in LaPorte Superior Court 3.
Due to the nature of the cases, the publicity generated, and the ethical considerations, no further statements or comments will be made during the pendency of the cases by the Prosecutor’s Office or law enforcement.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 8 2011, 08:16 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/article_1815ef52-1ebe-58a0-b859-d1a978f4f2b6.html
QUOTE
LaPorte coach, athletic director charged for failure to report
Kyle Telechan | The Times
LaPorte volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo walks the sideline on Thursday during a game at Michigan City.
LaPorte High School's athletic director, head volleyball coach and the school corporation were charged Tuesday with failing to report sexual misconduct by an assistant volleyball coach.
LaPorte County Prosecutor Robert Szilagyi said Class D misdemeanor charges were filed against athletic director Ed Gilliland, volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo and the corporation.
The charges come two months after former assistant girls volleyball coach Bob Ashcraft was convicted of charges stemming from an improper relationship with a player on the volleyball team for which he was an assistant coach. Ashcraft was convicted July 12 of two counts of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
Attempts to reach Gilliland for comment were unsuccessful.
During the trial, Lebo's attorney, Bill Nelson, told the court that he had advised his client not to testify or speak about anything she may have seen of the relationship between Ashcraft and a former player on her team. Nelson said in open court that Lebo would have asserted her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination if called to the stand.
Lebo was not called to the stand during the case.
Szilagyi said former Superintendent Judy DeMuth, who has since moved to the Monroe County Schools, was not charged.
Last season, the LaPorte volleyball team reached the semistate round of the state tournament. Lebo, who is also an assistant athletic director at the school, has been coaching her team this season to its 9-1 record.
LaPorte is scheduled to host Valparaiso High with the junior varsity game beginning at 5 p.m. today.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/article_1815ef52-1ebe-58a0-b859-d1a978f4f2b6.html#ixzz1XN27SojB
Kyle Telechan | The Times
LaPorte volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo walks the sideline on Thursday during a game at Michigan City.
LaPorte High School's athletic director, head volleyball coach and the school corporation were charged Tuesday with failing to report sexual misconduct by an assistant volleyball coach.
LaPorte County Prosecutor Robert Szilagyi said Class D misdemeanor charges were filed against athletic director Ed Gilliland, volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo and the corporation.
The charges come two months after former assistant girls volleyball coach Bob Ashcraft was convicted of charges stemming from an improper relationship with a player on the volleyball team for which he was an assistant coach. Ashcraft was convicted July 12 of two counts of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
Attempts to reach Gilliland for comment were unsuccessful.
During the trial, Lebo's attorney, Bill Nelson, told the court that he had advised his client not to testify or speak about anything she may have seen of the relationship between Ashcraft and a former player on her team. Nelson said in open court that Lebo would have asserted her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination if called to the stand.
Lebo was not called to the stand during the case.
Szilagyi said former Superintendent Judy DeMuth, who has since moved to the Monroe County Schools, was not charged.
Last season, the LaPorte volleyball team reached the semistate round of the state tournament. Lebo, who is also an assistant athletic director at the school, has been coaching her team this season to its 9-1 record.
LaPorte is scheduled to host Valparaiso High with the junior varsity game beginning at 5 p.m. today.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/article_1815ef52-1ebe-58a0-b859-d1a978f4f2b6.html#ixzz1XN27SojB
Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 8 2011, 08:35 AM
http://smlforwhatitsworth.blogspot.com/2011/09/some-educators-need-long-detentions.html
QUOTE
Let's advance to Modern Day. MaryBeth Lebo has been coaching volleyball at LaPorte High School for a long time. Among the community, she is held in high esteem.
One of Lebo's assistants, Bob Ashcraft, is now starting to serve 21 years in prison for sexual misconduct with a minor and felony child seduction. Ashcraft had started a "relationship" (and I use that word very, very liberally) with a 14-year-old volleyball player.
Now, prosecutors are charging Lebo and LaPorte High School athletic director Ed Gilliland with failing to report the sexual misconduct of Ashcraft.
The news broke yesterday and will be -- by the end of today -- pretty well covered. Check nwi.com, southbendtribune, heraldargus, the newsdispatch.com or -- my guess -- even Chicago news. Because this is pretty rare.
The charge is a misdemeanor -- but one that could end up with them in jail for 180 days. If nothing else, they have lost their jobs (for now) and will have their actions (and inactions) related to Ashcraft under a microscope.
Lebo and Gilliland are innocent until proven guilty. But I will be interested to see what is reveled in court. There are hints of email conversations, but we'll see what they knew, when they knew it and how they reacted to it.
I don't know of many other situations like this where higher-ups were actually held accountable for coaches having sex with kids. And maybe this is a trend that needs to take place much more often.
Do I feel bad for them? No. It is about time that a prosecutor investigate and charge officials who turn a blind eye to a culture of child seduction. We send our children to schools for a basic education. Not for adults to lust over. Not for adults to take advantage of them.
Lebo has been a great coach in terms of wins and losses. But protecting her team from Ashcraft was more important than any semi-state win. I'd rather go 0-20 with the basics instilled than win a state championship with ethics and innocence left in the front seat of a pickup truck.
One of Lebo's assistants, Bob Ashcraft, is now starting to serve 21 years in prison for sexual misconduct with a minor and felony child seduction. Ashcraft had started a "relationship" (and I use that word very, very liberally) with a 14-year-old volleyball player.
Now, prosecutors are charging Lebo and LaPorte High School athletic director Ed Gilliland with failing to report the sexual misconduct of Ashcraft.
The news broke yesterday and will be -- by the end of today -- pretty well covered. Check nwi.com, southbendtribune, heraldargus, the newsdispatch.com or -- my guess -- even Chicago news. Because this is pretty rare.
The charge is a misdemeanor -- but one that could end up with them in jail for 180 days. If nothing else, they have lost their jobs (for now) and will have their actions (and inactions) related to Ashcraft under a microscope.
Lebo and Gilliland are innocent until proven guilty. But I will be interested to see what is reveled in court. There are hints of email conversations, but we'll see what they knew, when they knew it and how they reacted to it.
I don't know of many other situations like this where higher-ups were actually held accountable for coaches having sex with kids. And maybe this is a trend that needs to take place much more often.
Do I feel bad for them? No. It is about time that a prosecutor investigate and charge officials who turn a blind eye to a culture of child seduction. We send our children to schools for a basic education. Not for adults to lust over. Not for adults to take advantage of them.
Lebo has been a great coach in terms of wins and losses. But protecting her team from Ashcraft was more important than any semi-state win. I'd rather go 0-20 with the basics instilled than win a state championship with ethics and innocence left in the front seat of a pickup truck.
Posted by: Ang Sep 8 2011, 05:27 PM
Honestly, I can not believe that Ed Gilliland would turn a blind eye to something like this. I know him personally and he is a wonderful, kind, and caring person. Having worked in a high school athletic office, as the secretary to the AD, I just can't see how he would even have knowledge of the situation. Seriously. Unless someone directly told him there was a problem, he would not have first hand knowledge. And, knowing Ed like I do, if someone told him he would have taken measures to stop the activity.
Pity...
Posted by: mcstumper Sep 8 2011, 07:40 PM
QUOTE(Ang @ Sep 8 2011, 06:27 PM)
... if someone told him he would have taken measures to stop the activity.
Pity...
Hmmm. Apparently there is enough evidence suggesting otherwise. LaPorte is one of those communities that will protect their own. You know, the image of the institutions is all important, and crap like that. I pity the girl who was raped.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 9 2011, 10:24 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/columnists/steve-hanlon/article_3a018518-163f-5c00-bfd9-b02e4d354883.html
QUOTE
LAPORTE | On Thursday night, LaPorte volleyball head coach MaryBeth Lebo was not on the bench as the Slicers hosted Valparaiso. Good thing. Thank God, I say.
But what took so long?
Heads should've rolled the first time Lebo walked into the school door this academic year. The blind leading the blind should not lead young ladies in an educational setting. Period.
When trust has been lost -- and for very good reason -- it's time to get a job at Kmart. If you soil a sweater you can always knit another one. When you soil a teenager's soul, it's time to leave for good.
Lebo, who also is LaPorte's assistant athletic director, was charged on Tuesday for failing to report a sexual misconduct by former Slicers' assistant Bob Ashcraft.
Class D misdemeanor charges also were filed against athletic director Ed Gilliland and the corporation.
Ashcraft was convicted July 12 of two counts of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
LaPorte superintendent Glade Montgomery echoed what LaPorte principal Gregory Handel told The Times at Thursday night's volleyball match.
"I'm not making any comments," Montgomery said.
We have learned through this ordeal that administrators at LaPorte have been turning a blind eye and hiding under a desk for four years, so I didn't think they'd comment Thursday. And in fairness to Montgomery, he arrived in LaPorte only after being hired in July.
Neither Lebo nor Gilliland were at Thursday's Duneland Athletic Conference showdown. Whether they have been suspended or, hopefully, fired, only time will tell. But in looking at the snapshots of what happened between Ashcraft and a Slicers player, who was 14 years old when the molestation began, justice should've been served long ago.
In previous Times news reports, fellow volleyball players said they were concerned about the behavior between their teammate and assistant coach. One player told police that Ashcraft and the girl locked themselves in a training room while everyone else was warming up for practice.
Where was Lebo?
Ashcraft and the minor cuddled while watching a DVD at a 2007 tournament, it was reported.
Coach, where were you?
At Ashcraft's trial in July, Lebo's attorney, Bill Nelson, told the judge that Lebo would assert her Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination if called to testify. And still, Lebo held on to her keys to the school building after her assistant coach was convicted.
At last week's game at Michigan City, I asked Lebo how her team was able to remain so talented despite all the negative attention the program's received.
Lebo said, "The girls have remained focused on the game and are trying to get better."
It's amazing how much better adolescents can be when they're not running from the groping hand of corruption every day at school. Or from administrators who have their heads buried in the sand.
I grieve for the young lady who was let down by the school her family trusted. And I weep for any other youngsters out there who might have had the same thing happen only for administrators to shut it up.
Lebo has coached at LaPorte for 23 years. In a story that ran in The Times in August, two anonymous players said one of them went to Lebo with concerns about Ashcraft's behavior with the other player. She said Lebo told her she would take the concerns "really seriously." Then, within a week, Lebo brought the accusing girl, Ashcraft and his victim and other Slicers into the training room and brought up the concerns in front of everyone.
The Slicer then said that Lebo told her, "There wasn't going to be a spot for me on the team" if the accusations didn't stop.
The high schooler said her playing time diminished afterward.
Ed, where were you? Gregory, where were you?
Lebo should've been shown the door a long time ago. The fact that it finally happened is a step in the right direction. It's just a step that is too old, too long and too bad.
Don Henley was right when he sang about "The End of the Innocence." In this pathetic story he is right on two different counts: the girl who needed someone with a soul to stand up for her, and every person with knowledge who turned a blind eye.
You know who you are.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/columnists/steve-hanlon/article_3a018518-163f-5c00-bfd9-b02e4d354883.html#ixzz1XTOnhf5e
But what took so long?
Heads should've rolled the first time Lebo walked into the school door this academic year. The blind leading the blind should not lead young ladies in an educational setting. Period.
When trust has been lost -- and for very good reason -- it's time to get a job at Kmart. If you soil a sweater you can always knit another one. When you soil a teenager's soul, it's time to leave for good.
Lebo, who also is LaPorte's assistant athletic director, was charged on Tuesday for failing to report a sexual misconduct by former Slicers' assistant Bob Ashcraft.
Class D misdemeanor charges also were filed against athletic director Ed Gilliland and the corporation.
Ashcraft was convicted July 12 of two counts of Class B felony sexual misconduct with a minor, Class C felony sexual misconduct with a minor and Class D felony child seduction.
LaPorte superintendent Glade Montgomery echoed what LaPorte principal Gregory Handel told The Times at Thursday night's volleyball match.
"I'm not making any comments," Montgomery said.
We have learned through this ordeal that administrators at LaPorte have been turning a blind eye and hiding under a desk for four years, so I didn't think they'd comment Thursday. And in fairness to Montgomery, he arrived in LaPorte only after being hired in July.
Neither Lebo nor Gilliland were at Thursday's Duneland Athletic Conference showdown. Whether they have been suspended or, hopefully, fired, only time will tell. But in looking at the snapshots of what happened between Ashcraft and a Slicers player, who was 14 years old when the molestation began, justice should've been served long ago.
In previous Times news reports, fellow volleyball players said they were concerned about the behavior between their teammate and assistant coach. One player told police that Ashcraft and the girl locked themselves in a training room while everyone else was warming up for practice.
Where was Lebo?
Ashcraft and the minor cuddled while watching a DVD at a 2007 tournament, it was reported.
Coach, where were you?
At Ashcraft's trial in July, Lebo's attorney, Bill Nelson, told the judge that Lebo would assert her Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination if called to testify. And still, Lebo held on to her keys to the school building after her assistant coach was convicted.
At last week's game at Michigan City, I asked Lebo how her team was able to remain so talented despite all the negative attention the program's received.
Lebo said, "The girls have remained focused on the game and are trying to get better."
It's amazing how much better adolescents can be when they're not running from the groping hand of corruption every day at school. Or from administrators who have their heads buried in the sand.
I grieve for the young lady who was let down by the school her family trusted. And I weep for any other youngsters out there who might have had the same thing happen only for administrators to shut it up.
Lebo has coached at LaPorte for 23 years. In a story that ran in The Times in August, two anonymous players said one of them went to Lebo with concerns about Ashcraft's behavior with the other player. She said Lebo told her she would take the concerns "really seriously." Then, within a week, Lebo brought the accusing girl, Ashcraft and his victim and other Slicers into the training room and brought up the concerns in front of everyone.
The Slicer then said that Lebo told her, "There wasn't going to be a spot for me on the team" if the accusations didn't stop.
The high schooler said her playing time diminished afterward.
Ed, where were you? Gregory, where were you?
Lebo should've been shown the door a long time ago. The fact that it finally happened is a step in the right direction. It's just a step that is too old, too long and too bad.
Don Henley was right when he sang about "The End of the Innocence." In this pathetic story he is right on two different counts: the girl who needed someone with a soul to stand up for her, and every person with knowledge who turned a blind eye.
You know who you are.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/columnists/steve-hanlon/article_3a018518-163f-5c00-bfd9-b02e4d354883.html#ixzz1XTOnhf5e
Posted by: bandaid19 Sep 9 2011, 02:33 PM
I find the whole thing sad... and, as a teacher.. even sadder.
This is why so many people mistrust educators-- because of situations like this.
There's NO REASON why these people should still be employed by the school corporation, and I agree with the earlier quoted columnist... they should've been out of the coaching/AD/and teaching positions long ago.
Many emails have been released in the early stages of the investigation which I feel (just from an outsider's perspective) CLEARLY indicated knowledge of the situation, or at least knowledge that students had reported the situation.
Now, I wonder what will happen, with closed door hearings... with the charges against the school corporation... and with the administrators who have left-- some farther away than others.
Justice, I hope.
Posted by: Tim Sep 9 2011, 03:52 PM
QUOTE(mcstumper @ Sep 8 2011, 07:40 PM)
Hmmm. Apparently there is enough evidence suggesting otherwise. LaPorte is one of those communities that will protect their own. You know, the image of the institutions is all important, and crap like that. I pity the girl who was raped.
Raped? From all reports it sounds like the sex was pretty consensual.
Posted by: mcstumper Sep 9 2011, 05:34 PM
QUOTE(Tim @ Sep 9 2011, 04:52 PM)
Raped? From all reports it sounds like the sex was pretty consensual.
Come on, Tim. Don't be that guy who says statutory rape isn't really rape because the 15 year old child "wanted" it.
Posted by: Tim Sep 9 2011, 05:36 PM
QUOTE(mcstumper @ Sep 9 2011, 05:34 PM)
Come on, Tim. Don't be that guy who says statutory rape isn't really rape because the 15 year old child "wanted" it.
Yeah - I'm sure that's exactly what I said.
And please don't tell me you think a 15-year-old is incapable of consensual sex. Or did you get a ... late start?
j/k
Make no mistake - I'm not making light of the situation. I think this Ashcraft goon should have his testicles ice-picked to a 2X4 for this. But dictionary.com defines rape as -
2. any act of sexual intercourse that is forced upon a person
And based on what the victim said about her plans to spend the rest of her life with this guy that certainly doesn't seem to be the case here.
Posted by: mcstumper Sep 9 2011, 07:35 PM
QUOTE(Tim @ Sep 9 2011, 06:36 PM)
...But dictionary.com defines rape as -
2. any act of sexual intercourse that is forced upon a person
And based on what the victim said about her plans to spend the rest of her life with this guy that certainly doesn't seem to be the case here.
Fine. Let's not call it rape. The State of Indiana terms it "sexual misconduct with a minor". Key being minor. Dictionary.com defines minor as "under the legal age of full responsibility". In other words, she still was a child and as such, had childlike thoughts and perceptions... you know, like wanting to spend the rest of her life with her pervert predatory coach.
But let's not get too far off the topic at hand. From everything I have read in the paper, Lebo was told that this was going on (or that there was a very good likelihood that this was going on), and instead of reporting it, she took it upon herself to fix the situation by instituting a policy that coaches and kids weren't to be alone together. It didn't sound like her policy did much to stop the illicit activities.
I don't recall reading anything about what Gilliland knew and when he knew it. But I guess that will all be made public soon enough.
Posted by: Tim Sep 9 2011, 07:50 PM
QUOTE(mcstumper @ Sep 9 2011, 07:35 PM)
Fine. Let's not call it rape. The State of Indiana terms it "sexual misconduct with a minor". Key being minor. Dictionary.com defines minor as "under the legal age of full responsibility". In other words, she still was a child and as such, had childlike thoughts and perceptions... you know, like wanting to spend the rest of her life with her pervert predatory coach.
But let's not get too far off the topic at hand. From everything I have read in the paper, Lebo was told that this was going on (or that there was a very good likelihood that this was going on), and instead of reporting it, she took it upon herself to fix the situation by instituting a policy that coaches and kids weren't to be alone together. It didn't sound like her policy did much to stop the illicit activities.
I don't recall reading anything about what Gilliland knew and when he knew it. But I guess that will all be made public soon enough.
100% agreeance.
Posted by: Ang Sep 9 2011, 07:51 PM
1. Being that Lebo was an assistant AD, I now understand why Ed Gilliland is being indicted as well.
2. Rape is a very strong and vulgar word. It gives the impression of violence, whether forced sex or statutory rape, it still makes a person think of a violent crime. Having said that, I understand why Tim said what he said. While the crime commited against this young girl was heinous (and I know Tim agrees), the word "rape" is too strong of a word. She was not held down and violated. She was enticed into the act and because she was young and niave, she didn't know better.
3. I'm sure as soon as that girl turns 18, she will file a bagillion dollar lawsuit against everyone, just like the girl in Michigan City who had a similar situation happen to her with a Michigan City Police officer.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 12 2011, 07:57 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/article_bc24e36a-f0ee-5519-a886-8f31b93871a8.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
QUOTE
LAPORTE | LaPorte Community School Corp. is defending its handling of a situation involving a coach who was eventually convicted for having sex with a minor.
The school corporation and two school athletic officials were charged Tuesday with failing to report sexual misconduct by former assistant girls volleyball coach Bob Ashcraft.
William Kaminski, an attorney for the district, said Saturday a school employee did report suspicions to state and county officials, and he will seek to have the charges against the district dismissed.
Ed Gilliland, the LaPorte High School athletic director, and MaryBeth Lebo, head volleyball coach, along with the school corporation, were charged Tuesday by LaPorte County Prosecutor Robert Szilagyi with Class B misdemeanors of failing to report sexual misconduct.
Ashcraft, 46, was convicted in July of sexual misconduct with a minor and child seduction for having sexual encounters with a former player who was 15 when the conduct began.
Ashcraft was sentenced in August to 21 years in prison.
In a statement Saturday, Kaminski said "it is well known" by Szilagyi and his deputy a school corporation employee reported suspicions about Ashcraft and the victim in 2008 to the state Department of Child Services and to the LaPorte Police Department.
Kaminski said the school corporation questions Szilagyi's motives in filing a charge "which he should know is not supported under Indiana law and for which he has no evidence."
Szilagyi did not return a phone call seeking comment Saturday.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/article_bc24e36a-f0ee-5519-a886-8f31b93871a8.html#ixzz1XkLS9XKg
The school corporation and two school athletic officials were charged Tuesday with failing to report sexual misconduct by former assistant girls volleyball coach Bob Ashcraft.
William Kaminski, an attorney for the district, said Saturday a school employee did report suspicions to state and county officials, and he will seek to have the charges against the district dismissed.
Ed Gilliland, the LaPorte High School athletic director, and MaryBeth Lebo, head volleyball coach, along with the school corporation, were charged Tuesday by LaPorte County Prosecutor Robert Szilagyi with Class B misdemeanors of failing to report sexual misconduct.
Ashcraft, 46, was convicted in July of sexual misconduct with a minor and child seduction for having sexual encounters with a former player who was 15 when the conduct began.
Ashcraft was sentenced in August to 21 years in prison.
In a statement Saturday, Kaminski said "it is well known" by Szilagyi and his deputy a school corporation employee reported suspicions about Ashcraft and the victim in 2008 to the state Department of Child Services and to the LaPorte Police Department.
Kaminski said the school corporation questions Szilagyi's motives in filing a charge "which he should know is not supported under Indiana law and for which he has no evidence."
Szilagyi did not return a phone call seeking comment Saturday.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/article_bc24e36a-f0ee-5519-a886-8f31b93871a8.html#ixzz1XkLS9XKg
Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 13 2011, 01:36 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/09/12/sports/doc4e6e7793012be031972834.txt
QUOTE
Legal issues sideline coach Lebo
By Ken Peterson
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Monday, September 12, 2011 4:42 PM CDT
LA PORTE — For the first time, longtime La Porte volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo was not courtside leading her team on Thursday night.
Instead, the veteran coach was not there due to legal issues.
La Porte dropped the match 25-23, 22-25, 26-24 and 25-18 to Valparaiso, coached by former La Porte standout Katie Lenard.
No one Thursday night wanted to comment on the specifics of Lebo’s absence, but there were plenty of people who missed her, including assistant coach Karlee Lawson.
*
“Things won’t be the same,” Lawson said. “I am hurt that a lady that I look up to and have looked up to for so long and has done so much for me is not next to my side.
“She’s been right there for 10 years. And I am not going to say it is not going to be the same and we are not going to pretend it is going to be the same.
“But we will push forward like we always have with every curveball that has been thrown and we’ll make it work.”
La Porte County Prosecutor Robert Szilagyi charged both Lebo, La Porte High School Athletic Director Ed Gilliland and La Porte Community School Corp. on Wednesday with failing to report sexual misconduct, a Class B misdemeanor.
If convicted, Lebo and Gilliland could spend up to 180 days in jail and be fined up to $1,000.
The charges came two months after former assistant coach Bob Ashcraft was convicted of charges stemming from an improper relationship with a minor. Aschraft was sentenced on July 12 to 21 years in prison.
Lenard chose not to comment about it.
“I’ve been (at Valpo) for five years now,” she said.
By Ken Peterson
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Monday, September 12, 2011 4:42 PM CDT
LA PORTE — For the first time, longtime La Porte volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo was not courtside leading her team on Thursday night.
Instead, the veteran coach was not there due to legal issues.
La Porte dropped the match 25-23, 22-25, 26-24 and 25-18 to Valparaiso, coached by former La Porte standout Katie Lenard.
No one Thursday night wanted to comment on the specifics of Lebo’s absence, but there were plenty of people who missed her, including assistant coach Karlee Lawson.
*
“Things won’t be the same,” Lawson said. “I am hurt that a lady that I look up to and have looked up to for so long and has done so much for me is not next to my side.
“She’s been right there for 10 years. And I am not going to say it is not going to be the same and we are not going to pretend it is going to be the same.
“But we will push forward like we always have with every curveball that has been thrown and we’ll make it work.”
La Porte County Prosecutor Robert Szilagyi charged both Lebo, La Porte High School Athletic Director Ed Gilliland and La Porte Community School Corp. on Wednesday with failing to report sexual misconduct, a Class B misdemeanor.
If convicted, Lebo and Gilliland could spend up to 180 days in jail and be fined up to $1,000.
The charges came two months after former assistant coach Bob Ashcraft was convicted of charges stemming from an improper relationship with a minor. Aschraft was sentenced on July 12 to 21 years in prison.
Lenard chose not to comment about it.
“I’ve been (at Valpo) for five years now,” she said.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 14 2011, 09:40 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/09/14/news/local/doc4e6ec1e8b0b3f185795332.txt
QUOTE
Defense says charges aren't based on reliable evidence
By Matt Fritz
For The News Dispatch
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 5:07 PM CDT
LA PORTE — The attorneys for Ed Gilliland and Mary Beth Lebo say their clients are being charged with unreliable evidence.
Varsity volleyball coach Lebo and La Porte Athletic Director Gilliland were charged last week on two counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect by the La Porte County Prosecutor's Office, along with a separate charge against the La Porte Community School Corp. for the same offense.
The charges are in relation to the sexual misconduct of former high school volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft and one of his former players in 2008, which prosecutors say happened under the eyes of the suspects.
But according to a press release from defense attorneys Craig Braje and William Nelson, the charges will be proven false.
*
"They (Lebo and Gilliland) sat silent while irresponsible speculation and innuendo spread among the community," the press release said. "The hope was always that the investigation would be based on fact and not upon politics. Unfortunately, the process malfunctioned and the prosecutor has chosen to select two individuals, without reliable evidence and not charged dozens of others."
In a previous story, La Porte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi said state law allows him to press charges on any individual failing to report suspected child abuse, and not just school officials. Several parents had testified to a suspicion of an inappropriate relationship between Ashcraft and one of his players during his trial in July. But Szilagyi said the one complication with charging just anyone is proving he or she suspected the abuse, not just saw evidence of it.
According to the press release, the two suspects have a combined 56 years experience as educators, each receiving honors and recognition for their efforts. Gilliland was selected last year as Indiana's Athletic Director of the Year, and Lebo was named Indiana's North District Coach of the year for 2009 and 2010.
"They are professionals who have dedicated their lives to guiding young men and women," the press release said, "they have earned the respect of local and statewide peers."
Summonses have been issued for the defendants to appear before Judge Jennifer Koethe in La Porte Superior Court 3.
"Of course, the state has no obligation to identify or explain why Ms. Lebo and Mr. Gilliland were selected to be charged," the attorneys say later in in release. "Fortunately, the courtroom will provide the forum for the state's motives and investigation to be dissected. Our clients look forward to that process and believe, upon conclusion, they will be afforded the respect and vindication they deserve."
In July, Ashcraft was found guilty on three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one count of child seduction in regards to inappropriate relations with an underage former volleyball player.
The "B" misdemeanor charges are punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
By Matt Fritz
For The News Dispatch
Published: Tuesday, September 13, 2011 5:07 PM CDT
LA PORTE — The attorneys for Ed Gilliland and Mary Beth Lebo say their clients are being charged with unreliable evidence.
Varsity volleyball coach Lebo and La Porte Athletic Director Gilliland were charged last week on two counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect by the La Porte County Prosecutor's Office, along with a separate charge against the La Porte Community School Corp. for the same offense.
The charges are in relation to the sexual misconduct of former high school volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft and one of his former players in 2008, which prosecutors say happened under the eyes of the suspects.
But according to a press release from defense attorneys Craig Braje and William Nelson, the charges will be proven false.
*
"They (Lebo and Gilliland) sat silent while irresponsible speculation and innuendo spread among the community," the press release said. "The hope was always that the investigation would be based on fact and not upon politics. Unfortunately, the process malfunctioned and the prosecutor has chosen to select two individuals, without reliable evidence and not charged dozens of others."
In a previous story, La Porte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi said state law allows him to press charges on any individual failing to report suspected child abuse, and not just school officials. Several parents had testified to a suspicion of an inappropriate relationship between Ashcraft and one of his players during his trial in July. But Szilagyi said the one complication with charging just anyone is proving he or she suspected the abuse, not just saw evidence of it.
According to the press release, the two suspects have a combined 56 years experience as educators, each receiving honors and recognition for their efforts. Gilliland was selected last year as Indiana's Athletic Director of the Year, and Lebo was named Indiana's North District Coach of the year for 2009 and 2010.
"They are professionals who have dedicated their lives to guiding young men and women," the press release said, "they have earned the respect of local and statewide peers."
Summonses have been issued for the defendants to appear before Judge Jennifer Koethe in La Porte Superior Court 3.
"Of course, the state has no obligation to identify or explain why Ms. Lebo and Mr. Gilliland were selected to be charged," the attorneys say later in in release. "Fortunately, the courtroom will provide the forum for the state's motives and investigation to be dissected. Our clients look forward to that process and believe, upon conclusion, they will be afforded the respect and vindication they deserve."
In July, Ashcraft was found guilty on three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one count of child seduction in regards to inappropriate relations with an underage former volleyball player.
The "B" misdemeanor charges are punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Sep 19 2011, 12:05 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/09/18/news/local/doc4e72c7a16ba57340067379.txt
QUOTE
School corp. attorneys file motion to dismiss
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Friday, September 16, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
La PORTE — Attorneys on behalf of La Pore Community Schools filed a motion Thursday in La Porte Superior Court 3 to dismiss a misdemeanor charge against the school corporation.
The corporation was charged last week by La Porte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi with one count of failing to report child abuse, a Class B misdemeanor.
The charges are in relation to the sexual misconduct of former high school volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft and one of his former players in 2008, which prosecutors say happened under the eyes of the suspects.
According to the motion, the corporation cannot be charged with this crime for four reasons.
*
One, it is a governmental entity and the Indiana legislature does not provide for criminal prosecution of a governmental entity.
Two, the schools are a corporation and not a person with a duty to report crime.
Indiana Code 31-33-5-3 says that “an individual who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect shall make a report.”
Three, the district is being charged for an alleged crime that happened three years ago in 2008, beyond the two year statute of limitation imposed by the state for such crimes.
And four, the corporation did report the crime through the efforts of sixth grade teacher Greg Samuelson, whose report of rumors involving the inappropriate relationship initially sparked the investigation in 2008.
A message for comment was left on the prosecutor’s phone. It wasn’t immediately returned.
The charge is punishable by a fine up to $1,000.
The motion did not address separate B misdemeanor charges filed against varsity volleyball coach Mary Beth Lebo and La Porte Athletic Director Ed Gilliland.
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Friday, September 16, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
La PORTE — Attorneys on behalf of La Pore Community Schools filed a motion Thursday in La Porte Superior Court 3 to dismiss a misdemeanor charge against the school corporation.
The corporation was charged last week by La Porte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi with one count of failing to report child abuse, a Class B misdemeanor.
The charges are in relation to the sexual misconduct of former high school volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft and one of his former players in 2008, which prosecutors say happened under the eyes of the suspects.
According to the motion, the corporation cannot be charged with this crime for four reasons.
*
One, it is a governmental entity and the Indiana legislature does not provide for criminal prosecution of a governmental entity.
Two, the schools are a corporation and not a person with a duty to report crime.
Indiana Code 31-33-5-3 says that “an individual who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect shall make a report.”
Three, the district is being charged for an alleged crime that happened three years ago in 2008, beyond the two year statute of limitation imposed by the state for such crimes.
And four, the corporation did report the crime through the efforts of sixth grade teacher Greg Samuelson, whose report of rumors involving the inappropriate relationship initially sparked the investigation in 2008.
A message for comment was left on the prosecutor’s phone. It wasn’t immediately returned.
The charge is punishable by a fine up to $1,000.
The motion did not address separate B misdemeanor charges filed against varsity volleyball coach Mary Beth Lebo and La Porte Athletic Director Ed Gilliland.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Oct 17 2011, 08:54 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/10/16/news/local/doc4e98eacd5d6ac996243743.txt
QUOTE
Ashcraft involved in ‘scuffle’
Staff reports
Published: Saturday, October 15, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
PERU, Ind. — Robert Ashcraft, the former La Porte High School coach convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor and child seduction and sentenced to 21 years in prison, was reportedly involved in a “minor scuffle” at the Miami Correctional Facility near Peru this past week.
Miami Correctional Facility Public Information Officer Ann Hubbard said there was no truth to rumors inmate Robert Ashcraft had been killed or committed suicide.Ashcraft was involved in what Hubbard called a small “scuffle” and was punched in the face. She said other than a red mark on his face, Ashcraft was “fine.”Hubbard said she was unsure where the rumor got started and added that at least three people had contacted her to ask about Ashcraft’s condition.
Staff reports
Published: Saturday, October 15, 2011 5:08 PM CDT
PERU, Ind. — Robert Ashcraft, the former La Porte High School coach convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor and child seduction and sentenced to 21 years in prison, was reportedly involved in a “minor scuffle” at the Miami Correctional Facility near Peru this past week.
Miami Correctional Facility Public Information Officer Ann Hubbard said there was no truth to rumors inmate Robert Ashcraft had been killed or committed suicide.Ashcraft was involved in what Hubbard called a small “scuffle” and was punched in the face. She said other than a red mark on his face, Ashcraft was “fine.”Hubbard said she was unsure where the rumor got started and added that at least three people had contacted her to ask about Ashcraft’s condition.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Nov 25 2011, 09:43 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/11/25/news/local/doc4ecd8ddbb9d6b563500316.txt
QUOTE
Trial dates set for La Porte sports officials
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, November 24, 2011 5:08 PM CST
LA PORTE — Trial dates have been set for the criminal cases of La Porte sports officials Mary Beth Lebo and Ed Gilliland.
Lebo, head varsity volleyball coach at La Porte High School, and Gilliland, La Porte athletic director, were charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual relations with an underage player.
The charges are B misdemeanors.
Gilliland’s trial start date is at 8:30 a.m. June 11, 2012, with a three-week block of time reserved, pending on whether the trial will have half or full days. Attorney Bill Nelson requested 10 full days for trial. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 15, 2012.
*
Lebo’s trial date was set for 8:30 a.m. July 9, 2012, with a pretrial conference at 8:30 a.m. June 12, 2012.
These dates are dependent upon whether or not the court dismisses the charges. A hearing for the defense’s motion to dismiss is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 13.
The court said the defense can determine whether the cases can be held together or back to back for the motion to dismiss. A two-hour block was reserved.
According to the motions, the dismissals are based on the statute of limitations for the charges, which were filed more than two years after the incidents reportedly occurred. The statute of limitations for this crime is two years.
The motions allege the period began Oct. 28, 2008, and ended Oct. 28, 2010. Charges were not filed until this past September.
The prosecutor’s office has alleged the officials’ failure to report these crimes constituted concealment, which extends the statue. But according to the motions, the law allows an extension only if prosecutors couldn’t have met the statute with due diligence.
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, November 24, 2011 5:08 PM CST
LA PORTE — Trial dates have been set for the criminal cases of La Porte sports officials Mary Beth Lebo and Ed Gilliland.
Lebo, head varsity volleyball coach at La Porte High School, and Gilliland, La Porte athletic director, were charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual relations with an underage player.
The charges are B misdemeanors.
Gilliland’s trial start date is at 8:30 a.m. June 11, 2012, with a three-week block of time reserved, pending on whether the trial will have half or full days. Attorney Bill Nelson requested 10 full days for trial. A pretrial hearing was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. May 15, 2012.
*
Lebo’s trial date was set for 8:30 a.m. July 9, 2012, with a pretrial conference at 8:30 a.m. June 12, 2012.
These dates are dependent upon whether or not the court dismisses the charges. A hearing for the defense’s motion to dismiss is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 13.
The court said the defense can determine whether the cases can be held together or back to back for the motion to dismiss. A two-hour block was reserved.
According to the motions, the dismissals are based on the statute of limitations for the charges, which were filed more than two years after the incidents reportedly occurred. The statute of limitations for this crime is two years.
The motions allege the period began Oct. 28, 2008, and ended Oct. 28, 2010. Charges were not filed until this past September.
The prosecutor’s office has alleged the officials’ failure to report these crimes constituted concealment, which extends the statue. But according to the motions, the law allows an extension only if prosecutors couldn’t have met the statute with due diligence.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Nov 30 2011, 08:22 AM
If I were a parent in LP, I think I would be more upset that the school system essentially protected a child molester over a child, and got away with it. I'd be looking for a new school system with the voucher system in place.
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/11/29/news/local/doc4ed4522f8489a141815513.txt
QUOTE
Judge dismisses charges against La Porte Community Schools
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 5:07 PM CST
LA PORTE — Charges against La Porte Community Schools have been dismissed, but the prosecuting attorney said he’s still moving forward on cases involving two school employees.
Last week, La Porte County Superior Court Three Judge Jennifer Koethe granted the school’s motion to dismiss charges it allegedly failed to report instances of child abuse in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who was sentenced for sexual relations with one of his underage players.
The dismissal was based on case law that bars the state from pressing charges against other governmental entities.
The motion was filed by defense attorneys David Jones and Martin Kus, who argued that government entities couldn’t be charged with a crime by the state.
*
The state, in turn, argued that the school corporation was an exception to this rule since it wasn’t sovereign and couldn’t make laws or ordinances.
But Koethe’s order for dismissal didn’t agree.
After acknowledging that there were no cases where a governmental entity was charged with a violation of a criminal statute, the order said there were two cases where the entities were charged with civil crimes. And these were both shot down, one by the appellate court and the other by the state supreme court.
The Indiana Supreme Court said “state law also finds the concept of a crime by the sovereign to be an alien notion.”
“The state’s arguments in this matter are unconvincing based upon the clear direction provided by the Indiana Supreme Court,” Koethe said in the order.
“We think she came to the right decision,” said defense attorney David Jones. “We don’t think there was any legislative intent for the state of Indiana to prosecute another government entity such as the school corporation. One part of the government can’t bring a charge against another part of the government.”
But La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney Bob Szilagy said the prior cases used in this decision weren’t really apt to the current prosecution.
“They involved civil action for punitive damages not criminal actions,” he said. “Generally they (the school corporation) could be charged based on the statute of the charges, which specifically referred to public and private institutions.”
State statute 35-41-2-3 allows a corporation to be charged with a crime if the offense was committed by its agent acting within the scope of his authority, and employees Mary Beth Lebo and Ed Gilliland were acting within the scope of their authority when they didn’t report the alleged crimes.
“I know she researched it well and did what she thought was required by the law,” he said,
Jones said the case against the school corporation was over.
Szilagy said this outcome doesn’t change the case against the corporations employees Lebo and Gilliland, who are also being charged with allegedly failing to report child abuse. They were the varsity volleyball coach and athletic director, respectively.
Koethe didn’t rule on the arguments of the defense, which included the prosecution missing the statute of limitations and the corporation not being an individual who could be charged with a crime.
“The La Porte Community School Corp. is pleased that the single criminal charge against it has been dismissed,” said defense attorney Martin Kus. “Judge Koethe’s reasoned opinion relied upon well established case law from the Indiana Supreme Court and Indiana Court of Appeals.
Those cases clearly support the School Corporation’s position that there was no basis for filing the criminal charges against it.”
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 5:07 PM CST
LA PORTE — Charges against La Porte Community Schools have been dismissed, but the prosecuting attorney said he’s still moving forward on cases involving two school employees.
Last week, La Porte County Superior Court Three Judge Jennifer Koethe granted the school’s motion to dismiss charges it allegedly failed to report instances of child abuse in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who was sentenced for sexual relations with one of his underage players.
The dismissal was based on case law that bars the state from pressing charges against other governmental entities.
The motion was filed by defense attorneys David Jones and Martin Kus, who argued that government entities couldn’t be charged with a crime by the state.
*
The state, in turn, argued that the school corporation was an exception to this rule since it wasn’t sovereign and couldn’t make laws or ordinances.
But Koethe’s order for dismissal didn’t agree.
After acknowledging that there were no cases where a governmental entity was charged with a violation of a criminal statute, the order said there were two cases where the entities were charged with civil crimes. And these were both shot down, one by the appellate court and the other by the state supreme court.
The Indiana Supreme Court said “state law also finds the concept of a crime by the sovereign to be an alien notion.”
“The state’s arguments in this matter are unconvincing based upon the clear direction provided by the Indiana Supreme Court,” Koethe said in the order.
“We think she came to the right decision,” said defense attorney David Jones. “We don’t think there was any legislative intent for the state of Indiana to prosecute another government entity such as the school corporation. One part of the government can’t bring a charge against another part of the government.”
But La Porte County Prosecuting Attorney Bob Szilagy said the prior cases used in this decision weren’t really apt to the current prosecution.
“They involved civil action for punitive damages not criminal actions,” he said. “Generally they (the school corporation) could be charged based on the statute of the charges, which specifically referred to public and private institutions.”
State statute 35-41-2-3 allows a corporation to be charged with a crime if the offense was committed by its agent acting within the scope of his authority, and employees Mary Beth Lebo and Ed Gilliland were acting within the scope of their authority when they didn’t report the alleged crimes.
“I know she researched it well and did what she thought was required by the law,” he said,
Jones said the case against the school corporation was over.
Szilagy said this outcome doesn’t change the case against the corporations employees Lebo and Gilliland, who are also being charged with allegedly failing to report child abuse. They were the varsity volleyball coach and athletic director, respectively.
Koethe didn’t rule on the arguments of the defense, which included the prosecution missing the statute of limitations and the corporation not being an individual who could be charged with a crime.
“The La Porte Community School Corp. is pleased that the single criminal charge against it has been dismissed,” said defense attorney Martin Kus. “Judge Koethe’s reasoned opinion relied upon well established case law from the Indiana Supreme Court and Indiana Court of Appeals.
Those cases clearly support the School Corporation’s position that there was no basis for filing the criminal charges against it.”
Posted by: Ang Dec 7 2011, 08:54 AM
Well, depsite the above, LaPorte schools are still better than Michigan City. The best thing LaPorte parents can do is educate their children against adult predators. My daughter is 13, looks 17, and is very wise to the fact that adult men should not be interested in her. She understands that she will be talked to because she looks so much older than her age, however she also understands that it is a crime and takes steps to eliminate the threat. Her response every time is, "Dude, I'm 13. Thirteen will get ya 20, AND a butt kickin when my brothers catch up with you." Also, she knows that if an adult at school acts inappropriate, she needs to tell me immediately!
Seriously though, remember the case with the MC Police officer? No criminal charges were filed against MCAS or the police department, so why should criminal charges be filed against LPCSC in this case? It took me a while to get there, but I do understand why the Head coach and Athletic Director are under fire, but the school system itself should not be held responsible.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Dec 7 2011, 08:58 AM
The school has a legal obligation to report this crime ANY TIME it gets reported to them. There is no discretion here. The email trail shows that the administration knew about the crime. The LP school system thought it was more important to hide the child molester than to report it.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jan 13 2012, 01:50 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2012/01/13/news/local/doc4f0e624a212fe521960427.txt
QUOTE
Hearing for Lebo, Gilliland pushed back
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, January 12, 2012 5:08 PM CST
La PORTE — The case dismissal hearing for La Porte High School sports officials Mary Beth Lebo and Ed Gilliland has been moved to Jan. 23.
Lebo and Gilliland, whose cases were originally scheduled for a dismissal hearing Friday, are charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual contact with an underage player in the district.
The hearing will start at 9 a.m. in La Porte Superior Court 3. The date change was due to a calendar conflict with the court.
The court said the defense can determine whether the cases can be held together or back to back for the motion to dismiss. A two hour block is reserved.
*
According to the motions, the dismissals are based on the statute of limitations for the charges, which were filed more than two years after the incidents reportedly occurred. The statute of limitations for this crime is two years.
The motions allege the period began Oct. 28, 2008, and ended Oct. 28, 2010. Charges were not filed until this September.
The prosecutor’s office alleged that the officials’ failure to report these crimes constituted concealment, which extends the statue.
But, according to the motions, the law allows an extension only if prosecutors couldn’t have met the statute with due diligence.
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, January 12, 2012 5:08 PM CST
La PORTE — The case dismissal hearing for La Porte High School sports officials Mary Beth Lebo and Ed Gilliland has been moved to Jan. 23.
Lebo and Gilliland, whose cases were originally scheduled for a dismissal hearing Friday, are charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual contact with an underage player in the district.
The hearing will start at 9 a.m. in La Porte Superior Court 3. The date change was due to a calendar conflict with the court.
The court said the defense can determine whether the cases can be held together or back to back for the motion to dismiss. A two hour block is reserved.
*
According to the motions, the dismissals are based on the statute of limitations for the charges, which were filed more than two years after the incidents reportedly occurred. The statute of limitations for this crime is two years.
The motions allege the period began Oct. 28, 2008, and ended Oct. 28, 2010. Charges were not filed until this September.
The prosecutor’s office alleged that the officials’ failure to report these crimes constituted concealment, which extends the statue.
But, according to the motions, the law allows an extension only if prosecutors couldn’t have met the statute with due diligence.
Posted by: southsiderMMX Jan 25 2012, 09:41 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2012/01/24/news/opinion/doc4f1e14f5ed660535275697.txt
QUOTE
Judge considers dismissal of Lebo, Gilliland charges
By Matt Fritz
Staff writer
Published: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 5:06 PM CST
LA PORTE — The defense for Mary Beth Lebo is alleging the victim of Robert Ashcraft was 16 years of age when inappropriate contact between the two became evident to the defendant.
This was laid out before La Porte County Superior Court 3 Judge Jennifer Koethe Monday morning during a dismissal hearing for defendants Lebo and Ed Gilliland, both sports officials at La Porte High School.
The two are charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual relations with an underage volleyball player in the district.
At the hearing, La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Fronk told the judge that Lebo's charge stems from her alleged action in telling players not to discuss rumors circulating about Ashcraft and one of his players.
*
He said this not only covered up the fact that Lebo knew about the rumors and didn't report them, but that Ashcraft was committing the crimes in the first place.
Fronk said this concealment allowed the prosecution to wait almost three years before filing charges against her, when the statute of limitations usually expires after two years. Gilliland's delay was because he allegedly lied to police during an interview with police in 2008. The nature of this lie was not revealed in court and even the defense attorney said he was unfamiliar with what it was.
Defense attorney Craig Braje went on to say that the statute violation in question only required reporting if the victim was under the age of 16. He asserted that Lebo only became aware of rumors of the relationship when the victim was 16, and nowhere in the prosecution's charge does it allege otherwise.
He also said that allegations his client knew about an inappropriate relationship because she allegedly witnessed Ashcraft rubbing lotion on the victim's back, giving her foot rubs, texting her, hanging out with her and leaning up against her legs didn't constitute knowledge of a sexual relationship. He said all these actions, while inappropriate, were legal unless they involved sexual gratification by one of the parties.
Braje even went as far as to say that his client could have gotten a misdemeanor charge for filing a false report if she reported this to authorities.
But Fronk pointed out that the law protects people who report incidents in good faith, and said this circumstantial evidence of an inappropriate relationship was enough to make such a report. And she was required to do so by law as a school official.
And he said Gilliland's alleged lie was obviously related to knowledge of Ashcraft's actions.
Talking in reference to the prosecution's delay in action, Braje said this misdemeanor charge may not seem like much to prosecutors, but his clients are being kept from work because of it, and have been viewed negatively by the community.
After listening to the arguments, Koethe said she would take the matter under advisement and get back with the respective parties later about what she decides.
By Matt Fritz
Staff writer
Published: Tuesday, January 24, 2012 5:06 PM CST
LA PORTE — The defense for Mary Beth Lebo is alleging the victim of Robert Ashcraft was 16 years of age when inappropriate contact between the two became evident to the defendant.
This was laid out before La Porte County Superior Court 3 Judge Jennifer Koethe Monday morning during a dismissal hearing for defendants Lebo and Ed Gilliland, both sports officials at La Porte High School.
The two are charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual relations with an underage volleyball player in the district.
At the hearing, La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Fronk told the judge that Lebo's charge stems from her alleged action in telling players not to discuss rumors circulating about Ashcraft and one of his players.
*
He said this not only covered up the fact that Lebo knew about the rumors and didn't report them, but that Ashcraft was committing the crimes in the first place.
Fronk said this concealment allowed the prosecution to wait almost three years before filing charges against her, when the statute of limitations usually expires after two years. Gilliland's delay was because he allegedly lied to police during an interview with police in 2008. The nature of this lie was not revealed in court and even the defense attorney said he was unfamiliar with what it was.
Defense attorney Craig Braje went on to say that the statute violation in question only required reporting if the victim was under the age of 16. He asserted that Lebo only became aware of rumors of the relationship when the victim was 16, and nowhere in the prosecution's charge does it allege otherwise.
He also said that allegations his client knew about an inappropriate relationship because she allegedly witnessed Ashcraft rubbing lotion on the victim's back, giving her foot rubs, texting her, hanging out with her and leaning up against her legs didn't constitute knowledge of a sexual relationship. He said all these actions, while inappropriate, were legal unless they involved sexual gratification by one of the parties.
Braje even went as far as to say that his client could have gotten a misdemeanor charge for filing a false report if she reported this to authorities.
But Fronk pointed out that the law protects people who report incidents in good faith, and said this circumstantial evidence of an inappropriate relationship was enough to make such a report. And she was required to do so by law as a school official.
And he said Gilliland's alleged lie was obviously related to knowledge of Ashcraft's actions.
Talking in reference to the prosecution's delay in action, Braje said this misdemeanor charge may not seem like much to prosecutors, but his clients are being kept from work because of it, and have been viewed negatively by the community.
After listening to the arguments, Koethe said she would take the matter under advisement and get back with the respective parties later about what she decides.
Posted by: Commuter Feb 15 2012, 11:58 AM
http://www.heraldargus.com/articles/2012/02/15/news/local/doc4f346b5157338164698074.txt
QUOTE
LA PORTE — A judge has ruled that criminal charges may proceed against two La Porte school staff members who are accused of failing to report a relationship between a former La Porte volleyball coach and player.
Former La Porte High School junior varsity assistant volleyball coach, Robert Ashcraft, is presently serving a 21-year prison sentence on convictions of felony sexual misconduct.
Ashcraft and the girl met when she was 14 and in 2007 when she was 15 began having sex in a relationship that lasted for over a year.
La Porte Superior Court 3 Judge Jennifer Koethe on Tuesday denied motions to dismiss filed by La Porte school staff members Ed Gilliland and Mary Beth Lebo.
Gilliland and Lebo are each charged with two counts of Class B misdemeanor failure of duty to report and remain free on bond awaiting the outcome of the case.
Each count carries a potential maximum six month jail sentence.
In their Oct. 29 motions to dismiss, arguments by the attorneys for Gilliland and Lebo included the two year statute of limitations to press charges in the case had expired and prosecutors did not exercise due diligence to bring forth charges within the required two-year time frame.
The defendants are accused of having reason to believe abuse or neglect against the female player was occurring and not reporting it to law enforcement or child protective services between August of 2007 and October of 2008.
Prosecutors, though, didn’t file charges until Sept. 6 of last year, exceeding the statute of limitations by nearly one year, the defense maintained.
In response, prosecutors argued they had no evidence or knowledge a potential criminal offense had occurred then because Gilliland and Lebo during that time concealed what turned out to be a serious relationship between the coach and player.
Prosecutors alleged that Gilliland lied to officers looking into the relationship between Ashcraft and the girl and that Lebo did not come forward due to fears of losing her job.
Specifically, prosecutors pointed to testimony from state police detective Mike Robinson, who said parents had reported to Gilliland questionable activities between Ashcraft and the girl, before law enforcement was notified.
Those activities reported to Gilliland included “foot rubs” and “lotion being rubbed on backs” and hanging out together before school.
“All of these instances were documented by Gilliland as inappropriate behavior in his own words,” Robinson said in his written findings presented in court.
Prosecutors also pointed out that in Ashcraft’s personnel file, Lebo revealed witnessing instances that included Ashcraft at a volleyball tournament leaning between the legs of the girl and on a bus ride putting his arm around the girl and sharing food.
Again, prosecutors referred to Robinson’s testimony about Lebo that “she was in fear of losing her job because of the Bob Ashcraft situation.”
In denying the motions to dismiss, Judge Koethe ruled the allegations of concealment by Lebo and Gilliland and prosecutors failing to act in due diligence are questions that must be proven at trial.
Koethe also ruled that whether Gilliland and Lebo had sufficient enough reason to report the girl was being abused or neglected is something that “a jury would be required to decide.”
Former La Porte High School junior varsity assistant volleyball coach, Robert Ashcraft, is presently serving a 21-year prison sentence on convictions of felony sexual misconduct.
Ashcraft and the girl met when she was 14 and in 2007 when she was 15 began having sex in a relationship that lasted for over a year.
La Porte Superior Court 3 Judge Jennifer Koethe on Tuesday denied motions to dismiss filed by La Porte school staff members Ed Gilliland and Mary Beth Lebo.
Gilliland and Lebo are each charged with two counts of Class B misdemeanor failure of duty to report and remain free on bond awaiting the outcome of the case.
Each count carries a potential maximum six month jail sentence.
In their Oct. 29 motions to dismiss, arguments by the attorneys for Gilliland and Lebo included the two year statute of limitations to press charges in the case had expired and prosecutors did not exercise due diligence to bring forth charges within the required two-year time frame.
The defendants are accused of having reason to believe abuse or neglect against the female player was occurring and not reporting it to law enforcement or child protective services between August of 2007 and October of 2008.
Prosecutors, though, didn’t file charges until Sept. 6 of last year, exceeding the statute of limitations by nearly one year, the defense maintained.
In response, prosecutors argued they had no evidence or knowledge a potential criminal offense had occurred then because Gilliland and Lebo during that time concealed what turned out to be a serious relationship between the coach and player.
Prosecutors alleged that Gilliland lied to officers looking into the relationship between Ashcraft and the girl and that Lebo did not come forward due to fears of losing her job.
Specifically, prosecutors pointed to testimony from state police detective Mike Robinson, who said parents had reported to Gilliland questionable activities between Ashcraft and the girl, before law enforcement was notified.
Those activities reported to Gilliland included “foot rubs” and “lotion being rubbed on backs” and hanging out together before school.
“All of these instances were documented by Gilliland as inappropriate behavior in his own words,” Robinson said in his written findings presented in court.
Prosecutors also pointed out that in Ashcraft’s personnel file, Lebo revealed witnessing instances that included Ashcraft at a volleyball tournament leaning between the legs of the girl and on a bus ride putting his arm around the girl and sharing food.
Again, prosecutors referred to Robinson’s testimony about Lebo that “she was in fear of losing her job because of the Bob Ashcraft situation.”
In denying the motions to dismiss, Judge Koethe ruled the allegations of concealment by Lebo and Gilliland and prosecutors failing to act in due diligence are questions that must be proven at trial.
Koethe also ruled that whether Gilliland and Lebo had sufficient enough reason to report the girl was being abused or neglected is something that “a jury would be required to decide.”
Posted by: southsiderMMX Mar 1 2012, 01:07 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2012/03/01/news/local/doc4f4c404b2b1d0985301000.txt
QUOTE
La Porte schools end suspensions
for Lebo, Gilliland
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 5:07 PM CST
LA PORTE — The suspension of head varsity volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo and athletic director Ed Gilliland has ended.
The La Porte Community Schools Corp. officials are still employed and have returned to work.
The two were charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual relations with an underage player in the district.
A motion to dismiss the case, filed on their behalf by their attorneys, was denied earlier this month.
*
According to a press release from La Porte Community Schools, an independent attorney has completed his investigation and presented his findings to the school board and superintendent.
“In the best interest of the children of this school corporation,” the release said, “the superintendent of schools, with the school board’s support, has executed appropriate discipline and thereby ended the suspension of the affected employees at this time.”
It went on to say that no additional comments will be made at this time because the matter involves personnel or pending litigation.
The two will appear in La Porte Superior Court 3 on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. on a motion for certification for an interlocutory order to allow an immediate appeal.
Lebo and Gilliland had been suspended with pay since criminal charges were leveled against them in September.
They are each charged with two counts of Class B misdemeanor failure to report. Each count carries a potential maximum six month jail term.
During a previous hearing, La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Fronk said Lebo’s charges stem from her alleged action in telling players not to discuss rumors circulating about Ashcraft and one of his players. Gilliland’s charges were related to alleged knowledge of Ashcraft’s actions.
— Reporter Stan Maddux contributed to this report
for Lebo, Gilliland
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 5:07 PM CST
LA PORTE — The suspension of head varsity volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo and athletic director Ed Gilliland has ended.
The La Porte Community Schools Corp. officials are still employed and have returned to work.
The two were charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual relations with an underage player in the district.
A motion to dismiss the case, filed on their behalf by their attorneys, was denied earlier this month.
*
According to a press release from La Porte Community Schools, an independent attorney has completed his investigation and presented his findings to the school board and superintendent.
“In the best interest of the children of this school corporation,” the release said, “the superintendent of schools, with the school board’s support, has executed appropriate discipline and thereby ended the suspension of the affected employees at this time.”
It went on to say that no additional comments will be made at this time because the matter involves personnel or pending litigation.
The two will appear in La Porte Superior Court 3 on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. on a motion for certification for an interlocutory order to allow an immediate appeal.
Lebo and Gilliland had been suspended with pay since criminal charges were leveled against them in September.
They are each charged with two counts of Class B misdemeanor failure to report. Each count carries a potential maximum six month jail term.
During a previous hearing, La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Fronk said Lebo’s charges stem from her alleged action in telling players not to discuss rumors circulating about Ashcraft and one of his players. Gilliland’s charges were related to alleged knowledge of Ashcraft’s actions.
— Reporter Stan Maddux contributed to this report
Posted by: southsiderMMX Mar 5 2012, 08:56 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2012/03/04/news/local/doc4f4ef945836a6812819714.txt
QUOTE
Lebo, Gilliland will appeal judge’s ruling at state level
By Matt Fritz
Staff writer
Published: Thursday, March 1, 2012 5:08 PM CST
La PORTE — A judge has granted motions by Marybeth Lebo and Ed Gilliland to appeal their request to have charges dismissed in their cases.
Lebo and Gilliland are charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual relations with an underage player in the district.
After initially being suspended from work with pay, they have since returned to their jobs at the school corporation.
During a hearing for an interlocutory order for immediate appeal Wednesday in La Porte Superior Court 3, Judge Jennifer Koethe granted the defendants’ request to take their denial to the Indiana appeals court.
Click here to find out more!
The appeals court still has to determine whether to hear the case or not.
A motion to dismiss the case, filed on their behalf by their attorneys, was denied last month.
When asked if the prosecution had any issue with the request, La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Fronk said it was under the court’s discretion.
In other matters, defense attorney Craig Braje expressed concerns regarding the prosecution’s witness list and exhibits, which he said he hasn’t yet received.
Fronk apologized for not having the information out and said he would have them within 10 days, and the judge ordered him to do so. Fronk said some of the other information, such as witness testimonies from a previous trial, were public record and could be attained by the defense for the price of making copies.
The judge said she’d determine later who’d have to make the copies.
But Braje also had some concerns regarding the upcoming trial if the appeal was denied. With the courtroom being shared by other cases, he said the length of time seemed unnecessarily long, especially since it was supposed to start in June. He said he needed about four days just for his witnesses.
“We could potentially be trying the first case for the entire summer,” he said. “I can’t see a jury member losing the whole summer on a B misdemeanor charge if this goes to trial.”
Koethe said she might be able to get a senior judge to take the criminal calls into a different courtroom so the number of days necessary for Braje’s case would be decreased. But Koethe said she’d have to know if the appeal process would affect the time of the trial.
Braje said he has 30 days to ask the court to take the case, then 30 days to file a transcript. If the court decides not to take the case, he said he’d know quickly.
By Matt Fritz
Staff writer
Published: Thursday, March 1, 2012 5:08 PM CST
La PORTE — A judge has granted motions by Marybeth Lebo and Ed Gilliland to appeal their request to have charges dismissed in their cases.
Lebo and Gilliland are charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual relations with an underage player in the district.
After initially being suspended from work with pay, they have since returned to their jobs at the school corporation.
During a hearing for an interlocutory order for immediate appeal Wednesday in La Porte Superior Court 3, Judge Jennifer Koethe granted the defendants’ request to take their denial to the Indiana appeals court.
Click here to find out more!
The appeals court still has to determine whether to hear the case or not.
A motion to dismiss the case, filed on their behalf by their attorneys, was denied last month.
When asked if the prosecution had any issue with the request, La Porte County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Chris Fronk said it was under the court’s discretion.
In other matters, defense attorney Craig Braje expressed concerns regarding the prosecution’s witness list and exhibits, which he said he hasn’t yet received.
Fronk apologized for not having the information out and said he would have them within 10 days, and the judge ordered him to do so. Fronk said some of the other information, such as witness testimonies from a previous trial, were public record and could be attained by the defense for the price of making copies.
The judge said she’d determine later who’d have to make the copies.
But Braje also had some concerns regarding the upcoming trial if the appeal was denied. With the courtroom being shared by other cases, he said the length of time seemed unnecessarily long, especially since it was supposed to start in June. He said he needed about four days just for his witnesses.
“We could potentially be trying the first case for the entire summer,” he said. “I can’t see a jury member losing the whole summer on a B misdemeanor charge if this goes to trial.”
Koethe said she might be able to get a senior judge to take the criminal calls into a different courtroom so the number of days necessary for Braje’s case would be decreased. But Koethe said she’d have to know if the appeal process would affect the time of the trial.
Braje said he has 30 days to ask the court to take the case, then 30 days to file a transcript. If the court decides not to take the case, he said he’d know quickly.
Posted by: Ang Mar 23 2012, 12:25 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2012/03/22/news/local/doc4f6a91dc55975568103486.txt
QUOTE
La Porte residents ask for answers involving Lebo, Gilliland
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, March 22, 2012 5:06 PM CDT
La PORTE — Members of the community are asking the La Porte Community School Board to rethink the superintendent's decision to reinstate two employees still facing criminal charges for allegedly failing to report child abuse.
Several parents expressed their displeasure with the decision during a school board meeting Tuesday night when board members were asked to ratify their knowledge of the pair's suspension without pay last year. "You need to do the right thing," said parent Raymond Lang. "You need to remove these people from our school to protect our kids. It's up to you guys to do the right thing."
Head varsity volleyball coach Mary Beth Lebo and Athletic Director Ed Gilliland are charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual relations with an underage player in the district. Both coaches were on paid leave until late February. Lebo has since resigned from her coaching duties. She is still a teacher. Board members accepted her coaching resignation at the meeting.
Lang said it's up to the jury to figure out whether the coaches reported correctly, but pointed out that the school has a zero tolerance policy in sports and should apply it to the coaching staff as well. He reminded the board that students in the volleyball program who were retaliated against for speaking up about this issue are going to have to walk down the same hallways as those coaches. "You feel helpless," he said. "The staff and administrators who were most closely related (to the problem) have been reinstated to the school without explanation." He said parents need to hear why, and that the administration needs to be open about it.
When taking a vote on ratifying their knowledge about Lebo and Gilliland's paid suspension, both Jan Ribordy and Rhonda Spence dissented with their fellow board members.
Explaining that she wasn't speaking on behalf of the board, Ribordy said she did not support the reinstatement of the coaches and thought they should remain on suspension until the criminal chargers were settled in court. "Given the pending or threatened litigation," she said, "I see no benefit (to reinstating them)."
Spence did not make a comment during or after the meeting.
Board president Mark Kosior was absent from the meeting due to a business trip.
When speaking about the issue, teacher Greg Samuelson said he wanted School Board Vice-President Michael Kellems, who is also the Sheriff's Department's liaison with the corporation, to resign. He said Kellems could have questioned him about reports he initially made about the rumors back in 2008, but didn't. Samuelson made a report to Child Protective Services regarding a rumor he heard about Ashcraft having a sexual relationship with one of his players. Kellems said he had no comment in regard to Samuelson's statements.
At the meeting, parent Kirk Kubik voiced his support for the coaches' removal, saying he wanted to know why they didn't report Ashcraft years ago when the rumors of his relations with a student started. He also wanted to know what was the total cost of the board's private investigation into the matter (which involved the hiring of a private detective at $250 an hour) and why the findings of that report haven't been made public.
After the meeting, Samuelson said he had 100 signatures from parents agreeing that there was a state of continuing discriminatory practices against female athletes in the district since at least 2007, where individuals were not being held accountable for their actions or lack thereof. He said he was going to use it to ask the office of Civil Rights Department of Education for a title nine enforcement to investigate the corporation.
On Wednesday, Superintendent Glade Montgomery said parents and community patrons are more then welcome to meet with him about their concerns. He said he had no comments about what was said at the meeting.
By Matt Fritz
Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, March 22, 2012 5:06 PM CDT
La PORTE — Members of the community are asking the La Porte Community School Board to rethink the superintendent's decision to reinstate two employees still facing criminal charges for allegedly failing to report child abuse.
Several parents expressed their displeasure with the decision during a school board meeting Tuesday night when board members were asked to ratify their knowledge of the pair's suspension without pay last year. "You need to do the right thing," said parent Raymond Lang. "You need to remove these people from our school to protect our kids. It's up to you guys to do the right thing."
Head varsity volleyball coach Mary Beth Lebo and Athletic Director Ed Gilliland are charged for allegedly failing to report child abuse or neglect in the case of former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft, who had sexual relations with an underage player in the district. Both coaches were on paid leave until late February. Lebo has since resigned from her coaching duties. She is still a teacher. Board members accepted her coaching resignation at the meeting.
Lang said it's up to the jury to figure out whether the coaches reported correctly, but pointed out that the school has a zero tolerance policy in sports and should apply it to the coaching staff as well. He reminded the board that students in the volleyball program who were retaliated against for speaking up about this issue are going to have to walk down the same hallways as those coaches. "You feel helpless," he said. "The staff and administrators who were most closely related (to the problem) have been reinstated to the school without explanation." He said parents need to hear why, and that the administration needs to be open about it.
When taking a vote on ratifying their knowledge about Lebo and Gilliland's paid suspension, both Jan Ribordy and Rhonda Spence dissented with their fellow board members.
Explaining that she wasn't speaking on behalf of the board, Ribordy said she did not support the reinstatement of the coaches and thought they should remain on suspension until the criminal chargers were settled in court. "Given the pending or threatened litigation," she said, "I see no benefit (to reinstating them)."
Spence did not make a comment during or after the meeting.
Board president Mark Kosior was absent from the meeting due to a business trip.
When speaking about the issue, teacher Greg Samuelson said he wanted School Board Vice-President Michael Kellems, who is also the Sheriff's Department's liaison with the corporation, to resign. He said Kellems could have questioned him about reports he initially made about the rumors back in 2008, but didn't. Samuelson made a report to Child Protective Services regarding a rumor he heard about Ashcraft having a sexual relationship with one of his players. Kellems said he had no comment in regard to Samuelson's statements.
At the meeting, parent Kirk Kubik voiced his support for the coaches' removal, saying he wanted to know why they didn't report Ashcraft years ago when the rumors of his relations with a student started. He also wanted to know what was the total cost of the board's private investigation into the matter (which involved the hiring of a private detective at $250 an hour) and why the findings of that report haven't been made public.
After the meeting, Samuelson said he had 100 signatures from parents agreeing that there was a state of continuing discriminatory practices against female athletes in the district since at least 2007, where individuals were not being held accountable for their actions or lack thereof. He said he was going to use it to ask the office of Civil Rights Department of Education for a title nine enforcement to investigate the corporation.
On Wednesday, Superintendent Glade Montgomery said parents and community patrons are more then welcome to meet with him about their concerns. He said he had no comments about what was said at the meeting.
Posted by: Commuter Mar 30 2012, 11:28 AM
I found this site through this case.
I applaud the posters who have diligently created an information trail.
citybythelake.org is a top google hit for this case.
I've been following this story because cultural reporting bias, (how a story is framed), and how mis-framing often works against alleged victims, is a source of interest to me.
When you follow a story like this, it's important to ask the obvious questions, like "why are people embroiled in misdemeanor/felony charges if it was only a sexual relationship?" Once you get answers to the obvious questions, the real story starts to emerge.
Here are some stories from THIS WEEK that might create a bigger picture -- that this is not just an isolated incident in sleepy LaPorte. . .
From Chicago's WLS -- just six days ago. . . -- a very timely conviction right here in Indiana for "failure to report child abuse".
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local/indiana&id=8593214
QUOTE
The former principal of Muncie Central High School has been found guilty of a misdemeanor for failing to report a student's rape.
The Star Press reports a Delaware County judge on Friday found 42-year-old Christopher Smith guilty of failure to immediately report child abuse or neglect.
The Star Press reports a Delaware County judge on Friday found 42-year-old Christopher Smith guilty of failure to immediately report child abuse or neglect.
Sound familiar?
But it gets better. From November 2011 -- from the other direction -- South Bend this time:
http://www.abc57.com/home/top-stories/Finalist-for-superintendent-forced-to-withdraw-after-ABC-57-News-investigation-133730093.html
QUOTE
Superintendent finalist forced to withdraw after ABC 57 News investigation
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- One of the three finalists in the running for South Bend school superintendent dropped out today.
Former Muncie superintendent Dr. Eric king was forced to withdraw after ABC 57 News aired a news report last night, an investigation that uncovered alarming details about King's time as superintendent in Muncie.
[snip] School board President Roger Parent is said to have asked Dr. Eric King, a finalist in the job for South Bend superintendent, to withdraw from the position after an ABC 57 News investigation revealed that King had been named in a lawsuit involving a student who had said she was raped by another student at a high school in his district. A crime the victim says was not immediately reported to police.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- One of the three finalists in the running for South Bend school superintendent dropped out today.
Former Muncie superintendent Dr. Eric king was forced to withdraw after ABC 57 News aired a news report last night, an investigation that uncovered alarming details about King's time as superintendent in Muncie.
[snip] School board President Roger Parent is said to have asked Dr. Eric King, a finalist in the job for South Bend superintendent, to withdraw from the position after an ABC 57 News investigation revealed that King had been named in a lawsuit involving a student who had said she was raped by another student at a high school in his district. A crime the victim says was not immediately reported to police.
Sound familiar?
Sifting through more google hits:
http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=80734
QUOTE
The decision was unanimous. After a four month search process, Judith DeMuth has been named the next superintendent of Monroe County Community School Corporation.
DeMuth will be joining her son, Dustin, in Bloomington, who is a freshman baseball player at IU.
But DeMuth said she hopes to settle down for the long run, even after her son leaves the city.
Some community members are concerned about DeMuth’s commitment to MCCSC after she ended a three-year contract with Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation early due to personal issues.
[snip]
While Wanzer said members of the school board are excited to begin working with DeMuth, some citizens continue to voice concern about a lingering sexual misconduct case from her former school district, LaPorte Community School Corporation.
But school board President Jim Muehling has confirmed that DeMuth is not legally accountable for the relationship between a volleyball coach and a female student.
“I am not running from LaPorte or that situation,” DeMuth said. “I am proud of the way my staff handled the situation and I hope LaPorte can move forward from the unfortunate situation. I hope I can move forward with this great opportunity.”
DeMuth will be joining her son, Dustin, in Bloomington, who is a freshman baseball player at IU.
But DeMuth said she hopes to settle down for the long run, even after her son leaves the city.
Some community members are concerned about DeMuth’s commitment to MCCSC after she ended a three-year contract with Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation early due to personal issues.
[snip]
While Wanzer said members of the school board are excited to begin working with DeMuth, some citizens continue to voice concern about a lingering sexual misconduct case from her former school district, LaPorte Community School Corporation.
But school board President Jim Muehling has confirmed that DeMuth is not legally accountable for the relationship between a volleyball coach and a female student.
“I am not running from LaPorte or that situation,” DeMuth said. “I am proud of the way my staff handled the situation and I hope LaPorte can move forward from the unfortunate situation. I hope I can move forward with this great opportunity.”
The above article states that Demuth plans to stay on in Bloomington after her son's time at IU is complete.
Wikipedia calls it "helicopter parenting":
QUOTE
Helicopter parents are so named because, like helicopters, they hover closely overhead, rarely out of reach, whether their children need them or not.
The definition of "lawnmower parents" is also amusing.
But wikipedia points out risks associated with helicopter parenting that should give pause to anyone evaluating the reasons for an education Ph.D. (of all things) to move to the same town where her son is attending college, especially when it entails leaving the husband back in NW Indiana (Assistant Principal at Merrillville High School):
http://www.mvsc.k12.in.us/admin.htm
It's all very strange. But then crimes like these never happen in a vacuum.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Mar 30 2012, 02:31 PM
Especially after seeing the reactions in the Penn State and Syracuse cases, how can you be content with the reactions to this case? Besides the legal obligations here, your first duty as an educator is to those kids. To protect the problems instead of the villains instead of the victims here? I'm angry for the families. I just hope that if something similar happened in City, people would be prosecuted, and our administration would take the right steps.
And welcome to the site. Glad to see your posts.
Posted by: Commuter Mar 31 2012, 09:42 AM
QUOTE(Southsider2k12 @ Mar 30 2012, 02:31 PM)
Especially after seeing the reactions in the Penn State and Syracuse cases, how can you be content with the reactions to this case? [snip]
And welcome to the site. Glad to see your posts.
Thank you. This is an excellent site. Far better than the papers, which have an annoying tendency to describe this case as a sexual relationship, as if anything coerced can possible be consensual.
Posted by: Commuter Mar 31 2012, 11:20 AM
When you take big steps back and look at the ever-bigger picture, you start to understand that this is not a local issue, but a statewide one.
What surprises me is that this does not happen more often. Perhaps it does, but doesn't get reported because of the way teacher bylaws and regulations are written into the state codes.
There was a case involving a LaPorte teacher a few years back that went all the way to the 7th US Circuit Court of Appeals before the Court ruled against the teacher and in favor of LaPorte Community Schools.
What was interesting about the case was which set of laws the court should use for its findings. The teacher ultimately lost because he did not follow the chain-of-command policy. His allegations were potentially embarrassing to the Corporation.
Specifically, the plaintiff expressed publicly his view on issues. You can't do that in a chain-of-command setting. When you sign a contract to teach, you agree to abide by the rules. He did not. His suit was dismissed.
In the case of the volleyball player being attacked by her coach. the tables were turned a bit. The first anyone heard of it was when a STUDENT reported it (this guy should get a ticker-tape parade IMHO).
If you go back to the VERY FIRST ARTICLE in this thread, you can see how LSC laid the groundwork in 2009 for this case by punishing a STUDENT for speaking out about alleged abuse. Since he was a student, he was not bound by the rules and bylaws governing teachers/administrators. But LSC treated him as one anyway:
QUOTE
In an unrelated case in March, the U.S. Department of Education found that the LaPorte school corporation unlawfully retaliated against a student trainer who reported seeing what he believed was a professional trainer fondling a female volleyball player in 2007.
The federal agency's Office for Civil Rights found the corporation violated Title IX when it stripped then-senior Dan Vermette of his student trainer duties after he reported the 2007 incident.
Vermette -- who is now a computer specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps -- reported the alleged groping to both the school corporation and an outside employer that helped fund the professional trainer's salary, according to the Office for Civil Rights decision.
A school official told Vermette that reporting the incident to that outside employer was "incredibly inappropriate," federal records state.
The federal agency's Office for Civil Rights found the corporation violated Title IX when it stripped then-senior Dan Vermette of his student trainer duties after he reported the 2007 incident.
Vermette -- who is now a computer specialist in the U.S. Marine Corps -- reported the alleged groping to both the school corporation and an outside employer that helped fund the professional trainer's salary, according to the Office for Civil Rights decision.
A school official told Vermette that reporting the incident to that outside employer was "incredibly inappropriate," federal records state.
What transpired after this was, at least to me, intimidation/cowing/harrassment or coercion (apparently the Department of Ed agreed because it made LSC rewrite its laws):
QUOTE
That official told Vermette that "since he was under too much stress, resigning (from his job as a student trainer) immediately was in his best interest to avoid a suspension, or his grades would suffer," federal records state.
Does this not conjure of images of testimony from players complaining that they might not get playing time if they made a fuss about things?
QUOTE
Vermette then filed a complaint with the Department of Education.
In an agreement with the Office for Civil Rights as a result of Vermette's case, the school corporation consented to amend its anti-harassment policy to include the wording, "The corporation will not retaliate against any person who makes a report or files a complaint alleging harassment or a violation of this policy."
The district also was required to verbally warn four school administrators involved in the incident that they cannot "take adverse actions" against people who report possible harassment, federal records show.
Except those pesky students that insisted on stirring up trouble with Coach Lebo. From September 2011, Steve Hanlon, another unsung hero in this debacle wrote:
QUOTE
In previous Times news reports, fellow volleyball players said they were concerned about the behavior between their teammate and assistant coach. One player told police that Ashcraft and the girl locked themselves in a training room while everyone else was warming up for practice.
Where was Lebo?
Ashcraft and the minor cuddled while watching a DVD at a 2007 tournament, it was reported.
Coach, where were you?
At Ashcraft's trial in July, Lebo's attorney, Bill Nelson, told the judge that Lebo would assert her Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination if called to testify. And still, Lebo held on to her keys to the school building after her assistant coach was convicted.
At last week's game at Michigan City, I asked Lebo how her team was able to remain so talented despite all the negative attention the program's received.
Lebo said, "The girls have remained focused on the game and are trying to get better."
It's amazing how much better adolescents can be when they're not running from the groping hand of corruption every day at school. Or from administrators who have their heads buried in the sand.
I grieve for the young lady who was let down by the school her family trusted. And I weep for any other youngsters out there who might have had the same thing happen only for administrators to shut it up.
Lebo has coached at LaPorte for 23 years. In a story that ran in The Times in August, two anonymous players said one of them went to Lebo with concerns about Ashcraft's behavior with the other player. She said Lebo told her she would take the concerns "really seriously." Then, within a week, Lebo brought the accusing girl, Ashcraft and his victim and other Slicers into the training room and brought up the concerns in front of everyone.
The Slicer then said that Lebo told her, "There wasn't going to be a spot for me on the team" if the accusations didn't stop.
The high schooler said her playing time diminished afterward.
Ed, where were you? Gregory, where were you?
Lebo should've been shown the door a long time ago. The fact that it finally happened is a step in the right direction. It's just a step that is too old, too long and too bad.
Don Henley was right when he sang about "The End of the Innocence." In this pathetic story he is right on two different counts: the girl who needed someone with a soul to stand up for her, and every person with knowledge who turned a blind eye.
Full text here: http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/columnists/steve-hanlon/article_3a018518-163f-5c00-bfd9-b02e4d354883.html
He has a unique way of blending artful prose with hard-hitting, in-your-face context in reference to LSC's sense that teachers are the real victim here:
QUOTE
When trust has been lost -- and for very good reason -- it's time to get a job at Kmart. If you soil a sweater you can always knit another one. When you soil a teenager's soul, it's time to leave for good.
Read more: http://www.nwitimes.com/sports/columnists/steve-hanlon/article_3a018518-163f-5c00-bfd9-b02e4d354883.html#ixzz1qiJetT7e
more
QUOTE
During an interview with federal education officials, one school official said he did not immediately contact police after hearing about the alleged incident because administrators had not interviewed the alleged victim, federal records show. A second official said he did not report it to police because it was not his role to do so, the Office for Civil Rights records show.
School officials are required to report any allegations of abuse or neglect under Indiana law.
source: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/article_ea5247aa-eb5f-11de-893e-001cc4c03286.html
Posted by: Commuter Mar 31 2012, 03:23 PM
QUOTE(Southsider2k12 @ Mar 30 2012, 02:31 PM)
Besides the legal obligations here, your first duty as an educator is to those kids.
Actually (and tragically) you are wrong.
An educator's first duty is to his or her teacher's contract. Employment Law 101 -- principal/agent.
Those not covered under the contract are outsiders. Students therefore are outsiders. So is law enforcement. And the media. And parents. All outsiders.
LSC tried to treat Vermette like he was under contract by retaliating against him for not following chain-of-command guidelines. But they neglected to realize that he was not subject to their rules. HE WAS A KID!
School corporations have difficulty making these distinctions. That's why they are always in hot water.
People think that ethics are liberal ideals. But they really aren't. Had Vermette not retaliated against LSC's bullying, this case might have never ended up under this much scrutiny so early. Although only a child at the time, his courage and conviction to stand up against the bunker mentality was a significant turning point even before the case became a case.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 May 24 2012, 01:50 PM
Herald Argus
A lawsuit was filed about an hour ago against the La Porte Community School Corp., Robert Ashcraft, MaryBeth Lebo and Ed Gilliland in the incident involving a then-underage La Porte High School volleyball player
Posted by: Tim May 24 2012, 04:10 PM
"An educator's first duty is to his or her teacher's contract. "
Anyone want to take a shot at what's wrong with education in America?
Posted by: MCRogers1974 May 24 2012, 08:01 PM
QUOTE(Southsider2k12 @ May 24 2012, 02:50 PM)
Herald Argus
A lawsuit was filed about an hour ago against the La Porte Community School Corp., Robert Ashcraft, MaryBeth Lebo and Ed Gilliland in the incident involving a then-underage La Porte High School volleyball player
My sense is a trial will bring out the root cause of the problem - "Win at all costs". This is a problem which has plagued th LP Community Schools for at least 40 years. Have you ever watched the LP parents, fans at a game? I have seen their behavior for decades.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 May 29 2012, 12:05 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2012/05/28/news/local/doc4fbef10d675af076760377.txt
QUOTE
Ashcraft victim files lawsuit
By Matt Fritz
Staff writer
Published: Friday, May 25, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
La PORTE — The La Porte Community School Corp. is now facing a lawsuit from Robert Ashcraft’s victim.
On Thursday, an attorney representing the girl, who was 15 years old when Ashcraft, a former volleyball coach for La Porte High School, began engaging her in sexual relations, filed a lawsuit alleging the La Porte Community School Corp. failed to provide a safe environment for the victim and failed to adequately supervise Ashcraft.
“We would have liked to have avoided filing a lawsuit,” said attorney Tim Stoesz during an interview before the filing. “There were communications between the parties back to last fall, but they were terminated by the school system when (Varsity Volleyball Coach Marybeth) Lebo and (Athletic Director Ed) Gilliland and the school were indicted and they were never reopened.”
The suit alleges that Ashcraft had sex with the victim, who is now 19 years old, approximately 25 times between September 2007 and summer 2009, with no less than two acts of statutory rape before the victim’s 15th birthday.
Ashcraft was convicted in 2011 of two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, class B felonies; one count of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, a class C felony; and one count of child seduction with a minor over the age of 16, a class D felony.
According to the suit, the plaintiffs are seeking damages against the defendants, collectively and severally, in the amount of $500,000 for each individual cause of action accruing between Jan. 1, 2006 and Jan. 1 2008, and $700,000 for each cause of action accruing on and/or after Jan. 1, 2008.
Ashcraft, Lebo and Gilliland are also named as defendants in the suit.
The plaintiffs also want to open the report compiled by private investigator Larry Evans, which was conducted on behalf of the school corporation.
“When we get that report,” Stoesz said, “we plan on releasing it to the public while protecting the minors’ identities, but the public has a right to know what’s in that report.”
He said the family had “hoped the talks would have produced a reasonable settlement to compensate the victim for what will be a lifetime of damages.”
But that didn’t happen.
“These are very nice, good, down-to-earth people,” he said about the victim’s family, “and they’ve been very hurt by what’s happened. They haven’t sought to persecute anyone involved in the incident, but they are hurt by the actions of the school corporation.”
The suit also says Lebo and Gilliland failed to provide proper supervision of Ashcraft and ignored indications from various sources on his activities with the victim.
“Unfortunately this feels like another instance of the school putting itself and the teachers’ interest ahead of the students’ interests,” Stoesz said.
When contacted, corporation superintendent Glade Montgomery said he had yet to receive a copy of the lawsuit, but likely would not be able to comment because of the pending litigation.
Attempts to reach Lebo’s and Gilliland’s attorney were not successful.
By Matt Fritz
Staff writer
Published: Friday, May 25, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
La PORTE — The La Porte Community School Corp. is now facing a lawsuit from Robert Ashcraft’s victim.
On Thursday, an attorney representing the girl, who was 15 years old when Ashcraft, a former volleyball coach for La Porte High School, began engaging her in sexual relations, filed a lawsuit alleging the La Porte Community School Corp. failed to provide a safe environment for the victim and failed to adequately supervise Ashcraft.
“We would have liked to have avoided filing a lawsuit,” said attorney Tim Stoesz during an interview before the filing. “There were communications between the parties back to last fall, but they were terminated by the school system when (Varsity Volleyball Coach Marybeth) Lebo and (Athletic Director Ed) Gilliland and the school were indicted and they were never reopened.”
The suit alleges that Ashcraft had sex with the victim, who is now 19 years old, approximately 25 times between September 2007 and summer 2009, with no less than two acts of statutory rape before the victim’s 15th birthday.
Ashcraft was convicted in 2011 of two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, class B felonies; one count of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, a class C felony; and one count of child seduction with a minor over the age of 16, a class D felony.
According to the suit, the plaintiffs are seeking damages against the defendants, collectively and severally, in the amount of $500,000 for each individual cause of action accruing between Jan. 1, 2006 and Jan. 1 2008, and $700,000 for each cause of action accruing on and/or after Jan. 1, 2008.
Ashcraft, Lebo and Gilliland are also named as defendants in the suit.
The plaintiffs also want to open the report compiled by private investigator Larry Evans, which was conducted on behalf of the school corporation.
“When we get that report,” Stoesz said, “we plan on releasing it to the public while protecting the minors’ identities, but the public has a right to know what’s in that report.”
He said the family had “hoped the talks would have produced a reasonable settlement to compensate the victim for what will be a lifetime of damages.”
But that didn’t happen.
“These are very nice, good, down-to-earth people,” he said about the victim’s family, “and they’ve been very hurt by what’s happened. They haven’t sought to persecute anyone involved in the incident, but they are hurt by the actions of the school corporation.”
The suit also says Lebo and Gilliland failed to provide proper supervision of Ashcraft and ignored indications from various sources on his activities with the victim.
“Unfortunately this feels like another instance of the school putting itself and the teachers’ interest ahead of the students’ interests,” Stoesz said.
When contacted, corporation superintendent Glade Montgomery said he had yet to receive a copy of the lawsuit, but likely would not be able to comment because of the pending litigation.
Attempts to reach Lebo’s and Gilliland’s attorney were not successful.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jun 1 2012, 02:25 PM
http://www.wsbt.com/news/wsbt-laporte-schools-response-to-suit-student-couldve-avoided-sex-with-coach-20120601,0,7380017.story
QUOTE
LaPorte schools response to suit: Student could've avoided sex with coach
Associated Press Report
2:31 p.m. EDT, June 1, 2012
LaPORTE—
LaPorte Community Schools responded to an $18.7 million lawsuit from the family of a teenage girl who had sex with her volleyball coach, saying she voluntarily engaged in the relationship and assumed all risk.
The family filed the lawsuit last week, maintaining LaPorte Community Schools officials ignored signs the two were involved in a relationship. The lawsuit says the district didn't properly supervise its employees or provide a safe environment for the girl.
Robert Ashcraft was sentenced to 21 years in prison last July on charges of sexual misconduct and child seduction.
The Times of Munster reports (http://bit.ly/LSyb6b ) the school district denied the family's allegations and claimed she knew what she was doing. The girl was 15 at the time.
Associated Press Report
2:31 p.m. EDT, June 1, 2012
LaPORTE—
LaPorte Community Schools responded to an $18.7 million lawsuit from the family of a teenage girl who had sex with her volleyball coach, saying she voluntarily engaged in the relationship and assumed all risk.
The family filed the lawsuit last week, maintaining LaPorte Community Schools officials ignored signs the two were involved in a relationship. The lawsuit says the district didn't properly supervise its employees or provide a safe environment for the girl.
Robert Ashcraft was sentenced to 21 years in prison last July on charges of sexual misconduct and child seduction.
The Times of Munster reports (http://bit.ly/LSyb6b ) the school district denied the family's allegations and claimed she knew what she was doing. The girl was 15 at the time.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jun 1 2012, 02:27 PM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/laporte-school-district-denies-allegations-in-civil-lawsuit-involving-sexual/article_5182435c-0395-547c-9f5f-f5378fb3dff1.html
QUOTE
LaPorte school district denies allegations in civil lawsuit involving sexual relationship
By Marisa Kwiatkowski marisa.kwiatkowski@nwi.com,
LAPORTE | A former LaPorte High School girl voluntarily engaged in a sexual relationship with her former junior varsity volleyball coach, assuming all risk, LaPorte school officials claimed in court documents this week.
The girl's family filed a lawsuit last week against the state, school district and employees, claiming officials ignored indications the relationship was occurring, failed to properly supervise school employees and failed to provide a safe environment.
The family is seeking up to $18.7 million in damages from the state, LaPorte Community School Corp., Athletic Director Edward Gilliland and head volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo and the perpetrator, former junior varsity volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft.
The school district denied the family's allegations and claimed the girl knew what she was doing, court records state. The girl was 15 at the time she engaged in a sexual relationship with Ashcraft.
Ashcraft was found guilty last year of four felonies relating to his sexual relationship with the girl: three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one count of child seduction, court records show. He is serving a 21-year prison sentence.
Gilliland and Lebo each have been charged with two misdemeanor counts of failure of duty to report the sexual crimes. They are accused of having reason to believe the relationship was occurring and not reporting it to law enforcement or child protective services between August 2007 and October 2008, court records state.
Those cases are pending in LaPorte Superior Court.
By Marisa Kwiatkowski marisa.kwiatkowski@nwi.com,
LAPORTE | A former LaPorte High School girl voluntarily engaged in a sexual relationship with her former junior varsity volleyball coach, assuming all risk, LaPorte school officials claimed in court documents this week.
The girl's family filed a lawsuit last week against the state, school district and employees, claiming officials ignored indications the relationship was occurring, failed to properly supervise school employees and failed to provide a safe environment.
The family is seeking up to $18.7 million in damages from the state, LaPorte Community School Corp., Athletic Director Edward Gilliland and head volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo and the perpetrator, former junior varsity volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft.
The school district denied the family's allegations and claimed the girl knew what she was doing, court records state. The girl was 15 at the time she engaged in a sexual relationship with Ashcraft.
Ashcraft was found guilty last year of four felonies relating to his sexual relationship with the girl: three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one count of child seduction, court records show. He is serving a 21-year prison sentence.
Gilliland and Lebo each have been charged with two misdemeanor counts of failure of duty to report the sexual crimes. They are accused of having reason to believe the relationship was occurring and not reporting it to law enforcement or child protective services between August 2007 and October 2008, court records state.
Those cases are pending in LaPorte Superior Court.
Posted by: Ang Jun 2 2012, 07:32 AM
So basically LPCSC is claiming the child was making adult decisions because she could have said no?
Yet Ashcraft was charged with one count of child seduction.
Posted by: Tim Jun 4 2012, 06:52 AM
"LaPorte Community Schools responded to an $18.7 million lawsuit from the family of a teenage girl who had sex with her volleyball coach, saying she voluntarily engaged in the relationship and assumed all risk."
Even if that were true it still wouldn't get Ashcraft off the hook for working an underage student.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jun 5 2012, 11:59 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2012/06/05/news/local/doc4fcc10ea24163029069798.txt
QUOTE
La Porte School Corp. responds to victim's lawsuit
By Matt Fritz
Staff writer
Published: Monday, June 4, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
LA PORTE — The La Porte Community School Corporation and two of its employees are claiming the consent given by Robert Ashcraft's victim bars her from claiming any more damages from them.
According to a lawsuit response submitted by Attorney Michael Sears on behalf of the school corporation and school employees Marybeth Lebo and Ed Gilliland, the plaintiff voluntarily and knowingly incurred and/or assumed the risk of the activities described in her complaint, barring her claim under the Indiana Tort Claims Act.
But plaintiff Attorney Tim Stoesz said this defense is basically faulting the victim for the incident.
Last week, the 19-year-old victim, who was 15 when former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft began engaging her in sexual relations, started a lawsuit alleging La Porte Community Schools failed to provide a safe environment for her and failed to adequately supervise Ashcraft.
*
He allegedly had sex with her at least 25 times.
Ashcraft was convicted in 2011 of two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, Class B felonies, and one count of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, a Class C felony, and one count of child seduction with a minor over the age of 16, a Class D felony.
She's seeking damages against the defendants, collectively and severally, in the amount of $500,000 for each individual cause of action occuring between Jan. 1, 2006, and Jan. 1 2008, and $700,000 for each cause of action occuring on and/or after Jan. 1, 2008.
But the corporation's answer says the defendants are not the proximate cause of the plaintiff's injuries because the injuries were caused by the intentional conduct of another which was not foreseeable.
It also says the plaintiff has received, or is entitled to receive, benefits from a collateral source, which reduces or completely satisfies the plaintiff's claim.
It also demands a trial by jury on all issues.
Ashcraft was also named in the suit, but was not part of this defense's response.
By Matt Fritz
Staff writer
Published: Monday, June 4, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
LA PORTE — The La Porte Community School Corporation and two of its employees are claiming the consent given by Robert Ashcraft's victim bars her from claiming any more damages from them.
According to a lawsuit response submitted by Attorney Michael Sears on behalf of the school corporation and school employees Marybeth Lebo and Ed Gilliland, the plaintiff voluntarily and knowingly incurred and/or assumed the risk of the activities described in her complaint, barring her claim under the Indiana Tort Claims Act.
But plaintiff Attorney Tim Stoesz said this defense is basically faulting the victim for the incident.
Last week, the 19-year-old victim, who was 15 when former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft began engaging her in sexual relations, started a lawsuit alleging La Porte Community Schools failed to provide a safe environment for her and failed to adequately supervise Ashcraft.
*
He allegedly had sex with her at least 25 times.
Ashcraft was convicted in 2011 of two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, Class B felonies, and one count of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, a Class C felony, and one count of child seduction with a minor over the age of 16, a Class D felony.
She's seeking damages against the defendants, collectively and severally, in the amount of $500,000 for each individual cause of action occuring between Jan. 1, 2006, and Jan. 1 2008, and $700,000 for each cause of action occuring on and/or after Jan. 1, 2008.
But the corporation's answer says the defendants are not the proximate cause of the plaintiff's injuries because the injuries were caused by the intentional conduct of another which was not foreseeable.
It also says the plaintiff has received, or is entitled to receive, benefits from a collateral source, which reduces or completely satisfies the plaintiff's claim.
It also demands a trial by jury on all issues.
Ashcraft was also named in the suit, but was not part of this defense's response.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jun 19 2012, 08:50 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/former-volleyball-coach-to-represent-himself-in-civil-lawsuit/article_c3caff27-2b55-5522-9139-6e9574bc1174.html
QUOTE
Former volleyball coach to represent himself in civil lawsuit
By Times Staff
LAPORTE | A former junior varsity volleyball coach convicted of having a sexual relationship with a LaPorte High School girl deflected blame for his conduct, court documents filed last week show.
The girl's family filed a lawsuit in May against the state, LaPorte Community School Corp. and several employees, claiming officials ignored indications the relationship was occurring, failed to properly supervise school employees and failed to provide a safe environment.
The family is seeking up to $18.7 million in damages from the state, LaPorte Community School Corp., Athletic Director Edward Gilliland and head volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo and the perpetrator, former junior varsity volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft.
Ashcraft was found guilty last year of four felonies relating to his sexual relationship with the girl: three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one count of child seduction, court records show. He is serving a 21-year prison sentence.
Ashcraft, who is representing himself in his own defense of the civil lawsuit filed by the girl's family, said he is appealing his criminal convictions. He denied having a sexual relationship with the girl, and said she had a history of substance abuse, court records show. Ashcraft also claimed the girl had been sexually abused, records show.
Attorney Tim Stoesz, who is representing the girl's family, denied Ashcraft's claims.
"This is a disgusting attempt by a pathetic convicted sexual predator to smear his victim," Stoesz said.
The school district also denied the family's allegations and claimed the girl knew what she was doing, court records state. The girl was 15 at the time she engaged in a sexual relationship with Ashcraft.
Gilliland and Lebo each have been charged with two misdemeanor counts of failure of duty to report the sexual crimes. They are accused of having reason to believe the relationship was occurring and not reporting it to law enforcement or child protective services between August 2007 and October 2008, court records state.
Those cases are pending in LaPorte Superior Court.
By Times Staff
LAPORTE | A former junior varsity volleyball coach convicted of having a sexual relationship with a LaPorte High School girl deflected blame for his conduct, court documents filed last week show.
The girl's family filed a lawsuit in May against the state, LaPorte Community School Corp. and several employees, claiming officials ignored indications the relationship was occurring, failed to properly supervise school employees and failed to provide a safe environment.
The family is seeking up to $18.7 million in damages from the state, LaPorte Community School Corp., Athletic Director Edward Gilliland and head volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo and the perpetrator, former junior varsity volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft.
Ashcraft was found guilty last year of four felonies relating to his sexual relationship with the girl: three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one count of child seduction, court records show. He is serving a 21-year prison sentence.
Ashcraft, who is representing himself in his own defense of the civil lawsuit filed by the girl's family, said he is appealing his criminal convictions. He denied having a sexual relationship with the girl, and said she had a history of substance abuse, court records show. Ashcraft also claimed the girl had been sexually abused, records show.
Attorney Tim Stoesz, who is representing the girl's family, denied Ashcraft's claims.
"This is a disgusting attempt by a pathetic convicted sexual predator to smear his victim," Stoesz said.
The school district also denied the family's allegations and claimed the girl knew what she was doing, court records state. The girl was 15 at the time she engaged in a sexual relationship with Ashcraft.
Gilliland and Lebo each have been charged with two misdemeanor counts of failure of duty to report the sexual crimes. They are accused of having reason to believe the relationship was occurring and not reporting it to law enforcement or child protective services between August 2007 and October 2008, court records state.
Those cases are pending in LaPorte Superior Court.
Posted by: Ang Jun 19 2012, 03:54 PM
This just keeps getting smarmier & smarmier. I don't care if the girl knew what she was doing or not, it is a CRIME for an adult to have sex with a minor....period!
Posted by: Ang Jun 19 2012, 03:58 PM
Oh! And if the girl had a substance abuse problem and the Coach knew about it, WHY WAS SHE STILL ON THE TEAM?!?!?!
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jun 21 2012, 06:42 AM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jun 19 2012, 04:58 PM)
Oh! And if the girl had a substance abuse problem and the Coach knew about it, WHY WAS SHE STILL ON THE TEAM?!?!?!
Its a power thing. It still saddens me to see the Laporte school systems role in all of this. All of the protections for this kid just broke down.
Posted by: Ang Jun 21 2012, 08:01 PM
Well, I would still rather have my daughter go to LP than MC.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jun 22 2012, 09:20 AM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jun 21 2012, 09:01 PM)
Well, I would still rather have my daughter go to LP than MC.
After this incident? No way.
Posted by: Ang Jun 22 2012, 03:06 PM
My daughter is not an athlete. She is in the band, and the LPHS band director is a wonderful man. (And don't throw any "band camp" jokes at me.....she doesn't go to those)
Besides, I worked at MCHS, I know what goes on in the school. And some things are far worse than what happened in LP. There are laws in place to protect and punish adults from harming students, but nothing to stop the students from harming each other. There were times I, as an adult, was afraid to walk the halls, and no way you'd catch me in the hall during a passing period.
The incident at LPHS was one isolated thing, it does not happen on a daily basis. But the things at MCHS happen every single day.
Uh-uh, no way... I think she is safer at LPHS, and I feel she will get a better education there, too. No offense. Just my opinion, but I'm sticking to it.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jun 22 2012, 05:11 PM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jun 22 2012, 04:06 PM)
My daughter is not an athlete. She is in the band, and the LPHS band director is a wonderful man. (And don't throw any "band camp" jokes at me.....she doesn't go to those)
Besides, I worked at MCHS, I know what goes on in the school. And some things are far worse than what happened in LP. There are laws in place to protect and punish adults from harming students, but nothing to stop the students from harming each other. There were times I, as an adult, was afraid to walk the halls, and no way you'd catch me in the hall during a passing period.
The incident at LPHS was one isolated thing, it does not happen on a daily basis. But the things at MCHS happen every single day.
Uh-uh, no way... I think she is safer at LPHS, and I feel she will get a better education there, too. No offense. Just my opinion, but I'm sticking to it.
The LaPorte administrators protected a child molester over student. I can't imagine many things worse than that.
I am in MCHS all of the time, I even taught Econ there for two months last year. I have never felt unsafe.
Posted by: Ang Jun 24 2012, 10:00 AM
You're a guy.
And I don't see that LPCSC protected the child molester over a student. He got what he deserved. They protected the AD and the Head Coach, who haven't molested anyone. Maybe they (Gilliland & Lebo) could be accused of protecting the child molester, but the entire school system is not responsible. Actually, I would say only the Head Coach should be held responsible as the AD does not attend team practice and would have no idea what goes on there unless he is told about it. If he was told and chose to ignore, then he should be out of a job. But do we really know what happened? We only know what we are told, and people lie, so we don't even know if we've been told the entire truth of it.
And you won't change my mind about LP being better than MC. So, on this issue, we agree to disagree I guess. 
Posted by: bandaid19 Jun 24 2012, 12:01 PM
I'm not a guy, and I'm saddened that you feel as you do about MCHS, and worse yet, that you continue to post negative things about the high school. I've worked for both LPCSC and MCAS, and I'm frankly not surprised AT ALL about what happened at LPHS. It's a "boys club" over there, and the female coach probably gets swept into that because she's a very senior staff member, and a very WINNING coach. These things count for a lot in LP, but I don't think they count for as much in MC... I think something would've been done.
It's irrelevant though.. no one knows how it would've been handled. I'm just saddened that people who were involved in this case are a)still employed, b)have moved on, but still hold educational licenses to teach/administer/coach other students and c)the girl is still being "blamed" by a core group of the community.
I love band, as I hope you know, and I agree... the LPHS band teachers are awesome. However, there's also a great band program at MCHS, great teachers, a great administrator, and MANY great students. Don't let a few situations/interactions/"bad apples" spoil your impression of MCHS forever. And, times and places change.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jun 24 2012, 02:57 PM
QUOTE(Ang @ Jun 24 2012, 11:00 AM)
You're a guy.
And I don't see that LPCSC protected the child molester over a student. He got what he deserved. They protected the AD and the Head Coach, who haven't molested anyone. Maybe they (Gilliland & Lebo) could be accused of protecting the child molester, but the entire school system is not responsible. Actually, I would say only the Head Coach should be held responsible as the AD does not attend team practice and would have no idea what goes on there unless he is told about it. If he was told and chose to ignore, then he should be out of a job. But do we really know what happened? We only know what we are told, and people lie, so we don't even know if we've been told the entire truth of it.
And you won't change my mind about LP being better than MC. So, on this issue, we agree to disagree I guess.
Supposedly there are emails between the administration talking about how to handle things, without properly reporting things. To me, they were more worried about their own image, than the well being of this girl, or even the law. It is pretty similar to the protections that Sandusky got at Penn State, and it just disgusts me.
Posted by: bandaid19 Jun 24 2012, 06:15 PM
I agree... more "CYA" than actually worrying about how to protect that student, the student trainer who reported it, the other girls on the team, etc. That's sort of what I mean about the old-boy network. It's very disheartening. I think it's one of those events that's going to polarize parents and citizens of that community for a long time.
Posted by: MCRogers1974 Jun 24 2012, 07:18 PM
QUOTE(bandaid19 @ Jun 24 2012, 07:15 PM)
I agree... more "CYA" than actually worrying about how to protect that student, the student trainer who reported it, the other girls on the team, etc. That's sort of what I mean about the old-boy network. It's very disheartening. I think it's one of those events that's going to polarize parents and citizens of that community for a long time.
"Win at all costs". That is the La Porte High School style has has been their style since at least the mid 1960's.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jun 26 2012, 07:50 AM
QUOTE(bandaid19 @ Jun 24 2012, 07:15 PM)
I agree... more "CYA" than actually worrying about how to protect that student, the student trainer who reported it, the other girls on the team, etc. That's sort of what I mean about the old-boy network. It's very disheartening. I think it's one of those events that's going to polarize parents and citizens of that community for a long time.
It should upset people. Heck, it should anger people to the point of demanding changes all of the way to the top.
Posted by: Commuter Jul 2 2012, 09:27 AM
MCAS harbors some creeps too in my opinion anyway.
The sad part is that the STRUCTURE of the school system ALLOWED this to continue and continues to delay and stonewall. It is a system that is funded by YOUR dollars but is not accountable to you AT ALL, ESPECIALLY when the poop hits the fan.
A teacher's first allegiance is to his or her teacher's contract. Always and forever. Do not ever forget this.
Kids are second, if that.
Posted by: Commuter Jul 2 2012, 11:37 AM
QUOTE
It's my understanding that one of the big reasons Dr. Demuth chose to relocate to Bloomington is to be near her youngest son who is a Freshmen at Indiana University and is going to be the starting ace on Hoosier baseball team, perfect timing with the start of baseball season. All her kids have now graduated high school and it's time for her to move on. Her older daughters are great athletes as well.
I quoted this from Page 1 of the thread. This is a perfect example of how things go right over people's heads.
Here we have Dr. Demuth, who holds a Ph.D. in Education. In other words, she is a highly skilled educator.
She lives in Lake County or the Crown Point area or something like that. Her husband is a principal or assistant principal in that area, or was. I haven't looked at the rosters lately.
We read about how she is taking this job in Bloomington, but her husband is still working in Northern Indiana.
If you go to wikipedia and look up "Helicopter parenting" you will see an entry that is unnervingly similar to her stated reason for moving to Bloomington in the first place.
Here is a quote:
QUOTE
Helicopter parent
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Helicopter parenting)
Jump to: navigation, search
Helicopter WikiWorld.png
Helicopter parent is a colloquial, late 20th and early 21st-century term for a parent who pays extremely close attention to their child's or children's experiences and problems, particularly at educational institutions. The term was originally coined by Foster W. Cline, M.D. and Jim Fay in their 1990 book Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility,[1] although Dr. Haim Ginott mentions a teen who complains, "Mother hovers over me like a helicopter..." on page 18 of the bestselling book Between Parent & Teenager published in 1969. Helicopter parents are so named because, like helicopters, they hover closely overhead, rarely out of reach, whether their children need them or not. In Scandinavia, this phenomenon is known as curling parenthood and describes parents who attempt to sweep all obstacles out of the paths of their children. It is also called "overparenting". Parents try to resolve their child's problems, and try to stop them coming to harm by keeping them out of dangerous situations.[2][3]
Some college professors and administrators[who?] are now referring to "Lawnmower parents" to describe mothers and fathers who attempt to smooth out and mow down all obstacles, to the extent that they may attempt to interfere at their children's workplaces, regarding salaries and promotions, after they have graduated from college and are supposedly living on their own. As the children of "helicopter parents" graduate and move into the job market, personnel and human resources departments are becoming acquainted with the phenomenon as well. Some have reported that parents have even begun intruding on salary negotiations.[4]
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Helicopter parenting)
Jump to: navigation, search
Helicopter WikiWorld.png
Helicopter parent is a colloquial, late 20th and early 21st-century term for a parent who pays extremely close attention to their child's or children's experiences and problems, particularly at educational institutions. The term was originally coined by Foster W. Cline, M.D. and Jim Fay in their 1990 book Parenting with Love and Logic: Teaching Children Responsibility,[1] although Dr. Haim Ginott mentions a teen who complains, "Mother hovers over me like a helicopter..." on page 18 of the bestselling book Between Parent & Teenager published in 1969. Helicopter parents are so named because, like helicopters, they hover closely overhead, rarely out of reach, whether their children need them or not. In Scandinavia, this phenomenon is known as curling parenthood and describes parents who attempt to sweep all obstacles out of the paths of their children. It is also called "overparenting". Parents try to resolve their child's problems, and try to stop them coming to harm by keeping them out of dangerous situations.[2][3]
Some college professors and administrators[who?] are now referring to "Lawnmower parents" to describe mothers and fathers who attempt to smooth out and mow down all obstacles, to the extent that they may attempt to interfere at their children's workplaces, regarding salaries and promotions, after they have graduated from college and are supposedly living on their own. As the children of "helicopter parents" graduate and move into the job market, personnel and human resources departments are becoming acquainted with the phenomenon as well. Some have reported that parents have even begun intruding on salary negotiations.[4]
When I read her reasons for moving to Bloomington, I thought "helicopter parent" right away, except that I suspected she was moving there because that's what Indiana seems to have a penchant for doing to administrators who find themselves embroiled in scandal -- they recycle them to other districts, just like the Catholic church used to do before the civil courts started bankrupting dioceses one by one.
I weighed the possibilities. Helicopter parent? Or Captain of the Ship taking the first lifeboat at the first sign of the ship taking on water? I decided on the latter or possibly both -- after all dysfunction begets dysfunction. Why have just one nonsensical excuse to move away from your school system and husband when two are even more bizarre?
And don't think this is an isolated incident.
There was another recent, similar incident. If I've learned anything about Michigan City in my years here, if you want to read about bake sales, garden parties, ribbon cuttings and sunday school rummage sales, buy a News Dispatch or Herald Argus. If you want to hear who escaped from the State Prison in Michigan City and can't be found, or who got caught up in a scandal, you go to the Chicago News stations:
http://www.abc57.com/home/top-stories/Finalist-for-superintendent-forced-to-withdraw-after-ABC-57-News-investigation-133730093.html
QUOTE
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- One of the three finalists in the running for South Bend school superintendent dropped out today.
Former Muncie superintendent Dr. Eric king was forced to withdraw after ABC 57 News aired a news report last night, an investigation that uncovered alarming details about King's time as superintendent in Muncie.
Now, school board members are speaking out saying this should have never happened. Members say they are upset that school board President Roger Parent made the decision without meeting or conferring with the board first.
"It was a harsh decision, it was a rash decision. Unfortunately, it was a decision that will affect a person," says senior school board member Dawn Jones.
School board President Roger Parent is said to have asked Dr. Eric King, a finalist in the job for South Bend superintendent, to withdraw from the position after an ABC 57 News investigation revealed that King had been named in a lawsuit involving a student who had said she was raped by another student at a high school in his district. A crime the victim says was not immediately reported to police.
Former Muncie superintendent Dr. Eric king was forced to withdraw after ABC 57 News aired a news report last night, an investigation that uncovered alarming details about King's time as superintendent in Muncie.
Now, school board members are speaking out saying this should have never happened. Members say they are upset that school board President Roger Parent made the decision without meeting or conferring with the board first.
"It was a harsh decision, it was a rash decision. Unfortunately, it was a decision that will affect a person," says senior school board member Dawn Jones.
School board President Roger Parent is said to have asked Dr. Eric King, a finalist in the job for South Bend superintendent, to withdraw from the position after an ABC 57 News investigation revealed that King had been named in a lawsuit involving a student who had said she was raped by another student at a high school in his district. A crime the victim says was not immediately reported to police.
Sound familiar? You bet it does.
It's because of the CULTURE of the school system. This is how Jerry Sandusky got away with -- how many was it? -- 50 counts??? of child endangerment?
I'm sure if I dug more I'd find another supe that got in hot water.
In an ironic twist, one of the other finalists for the South Bend area schools administrator was Carole Schmdt, who was seeking a transfer from the Benton Harbor school system.
If you google her, you will read that she didn't do too well in Benton Harbor.
Maybe she is just near retirement. Thanks to ANOTHER loophole in the school system you pay for but which is NOT accountable to you, perhaps she was just looking to double her pension:
QUOTE
Rules let educators cross state lines to get pensions along with salaries
January 29, 2011|By Diane Rado and Duaa Eldeib, Tribune reporters
Hank Bangser collects a $261,681 state pension after retiring as superintendent of New Trier Township High School District. Now, he's a full-time superintendent in Southern California, earning $170,000 at a job he'd be barred from in Illinois if he wanted to keep getting retirement checks.
His annual pension-salary combo: $431,681.
In tony Scottsdale, Ariz., retired Wheaton Superintendent Gary Catalani is back in administration too, earning $195,000 as school superintendent on top of his $237,195 Illinois pension. His total: $432,195.
A Tribune investigation has found that crossing state lines is one of the most lucrative ways for retired superintendents to collect multiple government checks without breaking pension rules, according to salary and pension data. Across the border, the retirees are free to work as full-time public school superintendents and collect Illinois pensions.
Illinois law seeks to award pensions to people who really are retired, said David Urbanek, spokesman for the Teachers' Retirement System for suburban and downstate educators. Generally, the goal is to prevent retirees from collecting a public school pension while still working full time in the schools, Urbanek said. If they do so, their pensions will be suspended.
Crisscrossing the country or hopping to a neighboring state to work impacts the cash-strapped, taxpayer-subsidized retirement system, which must dole out pension checks to retirees who would not get them if they worked as full-time superintendents in-state.
By jumping to Indiana, retired south Cook Superintendent Eric King takes in nearly $335,000 a year — a $166,608 Illinois pension on top of his $168,343 salary as Muncie school superintendent.
In Wisconsin, retired East Maine 63 Superintendent Kathleen Williams just started a superintendent job in Wausau, earning $156,000 while collecting her $177,711 Illinois pension.
And the practice works both ways.
The Tribune also found retired out-of-state superintendents jumping into Illinois with the promise of high administrator salaries and hefty pensions common in the Chicago region.
Educator Rebecca van der Bogert retired from Massachusetts, earning a $21,974 pension. She then worked as superintendent in Winnetka District 36, earning $374,496 in her final year. Now, she collects a $169,050 Illinois pension while she's head of school at the private Palm Beach Day Academy in Florida.
Retired Superintendent Robert McKanna of Palatine's District 15 earned $327,596 in his final year in the district. He collects a $180,396 Illinois pension, in addition to a $12,977 pension from the state of New York. He's now listed as a program chair at Argosy University in Schaumburg.
Jeremy Gold, a pension expert and New York-based consulting actuary, called earning multiple government incomes "indicative of sloppy governance and a cavalier attitude by those 'public servants' who exploit these loopholes selfishly."
"Illinois is a poster child for pension abuses," Gold said. "One of my colleagues calls this child abuse because our children must pay for our fiscal irresponsibility."
But the superintendents point out that they have followed all pension laws and rules.
"I worked uninterrupted for 36 years and obviously made all the (retirement) contributions, as did all of my colleagues," Bangser, 61, said. "The point is that, I think like anything else, you operate under the rules, restrictions and guidelines of whatever is in place at the time."
Bangser said he moved to California to be closer to his daughter and granddaughter. Although his base salary is $170,000 at California's Ojai Unified School District northeast of Ventura, Bangser said furlough days this year will reduce that to about $161,000. He doesn't get health benefits in California because he still gets coverage from Illinois.
Like Bangser, many of the superintendents interviewed said they wanted to continue their life's work.
Kathleen Williams, 61, said she missed education and wanted to return to work after retiring from East Maine in 2009. After doing some part-time consulting in her old district, she took the full-time superintendent's job in Wausau, in north-central Wisconsin. She started there Nov. 1.
"The big difference for me is that when you're doing it post-retirement, the stress level is not there," Williams said. "You are doing it because you truly want to be there, and you are choosing to give up not working to be able to do what you love."
But staying in one state to do that is not as lucrative, according to national pension studies, because states usually restrict the hours or income of a public retiree who wants to work in a government job and still collect a pension.
Recently, Illinois tried to further curtail retired superintendents who work as part-time administrators. The effort, however, has lost steam.
January 29, 2011|By Diane Rado and Duaa Eldeib, Tribune reporters
Hank Bangser collects a $261,681 state pension after retiring as superintendent of New Trier Township High School District. Now, he's a full-time superintendent in Southern California, earning $170,000 at a job he'd be barred from in Illinois if he wanted to keep getting retirement checks.
His annual pension-salary combo: $431,681.
In tony Scottsdale, Ariz., retired Wheaton Superintendent Gary Catalani is back in administration too, earning $195,000 as school superintendent on top of his $237,195 Illinois pension. His total: $432,195.
A Tribune investigation has found that crossing state lines is one of the most lucrative ways for retired superintendents to collect multiple government checks without breaking pension rules, according to salary and pension data. Across the border, the retirees are free to work as full-time public school superintendents and collect Illinois pensions.
Illinois law seeks to award pensions to people who really are retired, said David Urbanek, spokesman for the Teachers' Retirement System for suburban and downstate educators. Generally, the goal is to prevent retirees from collecting a public school pension while still working full time in the schools, Urbanek said. If they do so, their pensions will be suspended.
Crisscrossing the country or hopping to a neighboring state to work impacts the cash-strapped, taxpayer-subsidized retirement system, which must dole out pension checks to retirees who would not get them if they worked as full-time superintendents in-state.
By jumping to Indiana, retired south Cook Superintendent Eric King takes in nearly $335,000 a year — a $166,608 Illinois pension on top of his $168,343 salary as Muncie school superintendent.
In Wisconsin, retired East Maine 63 Superintendent Kathleen Williams just started a superintendent job in Wausau, earning $156,000 while collecting her $177,711 Illinois pension.
And the practice works both ways.
The Tribune also found retired out-of-state superintendents jumping into Illinois with the promise of high administrator salaries and hefty pensions common in the Chicago region.
Educator Rebecca van der Bogert retired from Massachusetts, earning a $21,974 pension. She then worked as superintendent in Winnetka District 36, earning $374,496 in her final year. Now, she collects a $169,050 Illinois pension while she's head of school at the private Palm Beach Day Academy in Florida.
Retired Superintendent Robert McKanna of Palatine's District 15 earned $327,596 in his final year in the district. He collects a $180,396 Illinois pension, in addition to a $12,977 pension from the state of New York. He's now listed as a program chair at Argosy University in Schaumburg.
Jeremy Gold, a pension expert and New York-based consulting actuary, called earning multiple government incomes "indicative of sloppy governance and a cavalier attitude by those 'public servants' who exploit these loopholes selfishly."
"Illinois is a poster child for pension abuses," Gold said. "One of my colleagues calls this child abuse because our children must pay for our fiscal irresponsibility."
But the superintendents point out that they have followed all pension laws and rules.
"I worked uninterrupted for 36 years and obviously made all the (retirement) contributions, as did all of my colleagues," Bangser, 61, said. "The point is that, I think like anything else, you operate under the rules, restrictions and guidelines of whatever is in place at the time."
Bangser said he moved to California to be closer to his daughter and granddaughter. Although his base salary is $170,000 at California's Ojai Unified School District northeast of Ventura, Bangser said furlough days this year will reduce that to about $161,000. He doesn't get health benefits in California because he still gets coverage from Illinois.
Like Bangser, many of the superintendents interviewed said they wanted to continue their life's work.
Kathleen Williams, 61, said she missed education and wanted to return to work after retiring from East Maine in 2009. After doing some part-time consulting in her old district, she took the full-time superintendent's job in Wausau, in north-central Wisconsin. She started there Nov. 1.
"The big difference for me is that when you're doing it post-retirement, the stress level is not there," Williams said. "You are doing it because you truly want to be there, and you are choosing to give up not working to be able to do what you love."
But staying in one state to do that is not as lucrative, according to national pension studies, because states usually restrict the hours or income of a public retiree who wants to work in a government job and still collect a pension.
Recently, Illinois tried to further curtail retired superintendents who work as part-time administrators. The effort, however, has lost steam.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-01-29/news/ct-met-superintendent-pensions-20110129_1_pension-rules-public-school-pension-state-pension
Whatever the motives, the school systems rely on you, the taxpayer, to work your W-2 job, pay your taxes, and let them do the fine job they do -- with your hard-earned tax dollars.
Posted by: Ang Jul 2 2012, 11:58 AM
I take my daughter to school, but I do worry about her every day. School is a dangerous place, with educators who don't really care. And I'm not just talking about MCAS, nor am I saying ALL educators. I'm talking about school in general. If I had the time, I would home school my daughter. I feel she would get a better education, and her social skills are just fine, she doesn't need school for that.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jul 9 2012, 09:32 AM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2012/07/08/news/local/doc4ff7944742d59911081048.txt
QUOTE
La Porte Schools will not release investigation results
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Saturday, July 7, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
La PORTE — La Porte Community Schools will not be releasing the results of its private investigation into what school officials knew about the sexual assaults perpetrated by former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft.
Ashcraft's victim had requested to make the reports public. She is currently suing the corporation and several of its employees over the incident.
According to the corporation's response, filed in La Porte Circuit Court earlier this week, the written report compiled by attorney Larry Evans, commonly referred to as the "Evans Report," was prepared in anticipation of litigation and is "absolutely" protected by attorney-client privilege. It is also covered by the work product doctrine, which protects such materials from opposing counsels.
Attorney Tim Stoesz, who is representing the victim, said they won't give up.
"While we are disappointed that we don't have the report yet," he said, "we intend to pursue it through all available means. I hope the public will ask those board members elected on the promise of releasing this report to the public why they have changed their position."
The suit alleges that Ashcraft had sex with the victim, who is now 19-years-old, about 25 times between September 2007 and the summer of 2009, with no less than two acts of statutory rape before the victim's 15th birthday.
Ashcraft was convicted in 2011 of two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, Class B felonies; one count of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, a Class C felony; and one count of child seduction with a minor over the age of 16, a Class D felony.
According to the suit, the plaintiffs are seeking damages against the defendants, collectively and severally, in the amount of $500,000 for each individual cause of action accruing between Jan. 1, 2006, and Jan. 1 2008, and $700,000 for each cause of action accruing on and/or after Jan. 1, 2008.
The plaintiffs also want the report compiled by Evans.
Ashcraft, former varsity volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo and current athletic director Ed Gilliland were also named as defendants in the suit.
By Matt Fritz
For The News-Dispatch
Published: Saturday, July 7, 2012 5:07 PM CDT
La PORTE — La Porte Community Schools will not be releasing the results of its private investigation into what school officials knew about the sexual assaults perpetrated by former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft.
Ashcraft's victim had requested to make the reports public. She is currently suing the corporation and several of its employees over the incident.
According to the corporation's response, filed in La Porte Circuit Court earlier this week, the written report compiled by attorney Larry Evans, commonly referred to as the "Evans Report," was prepared in anticipation of litigation and is "absolutely" protected by attorney-client privilege. It is also covered by the work product doctrine, which protects such materials from opposing counsels.
Attorney Tim Stoesz, who is representing the victim, said they won't give up.
"While we are disappointed that we don't have the report yet," he said, "we intend to pursue it through all available means. I hope the public will ask those board members elected on the promise of releasing this report to the public why they have changed their position."
The suit alleges that Ashcraft had sex with the victim, who is now 19-years-old, about 25 times between September 2007 and the summer of 2009, with no less than two acts of statutory rape before the victim's 15th birthday.
Ashcraft was convicted in 2011 of two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, Class B felonies; one count of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 16, a Class C felony; and one count of child seduction with a minor over the age of 16, a Class D felony.
According to the suit, the plaintiffs are seeking damages against the defendants, collectively and severally, in the amount of $500,000 for each individual cause of action accruing between Jan. 1, 2006, and Jan. 1 2008, and $700,000 for each cause of action accruing on and/or after Jan. 1, 2008.
The plaintiffs also want the report compiled by Evans.
Ashcraft, former varsity volleyball coach Marybeth Lebo and current athletic director Ed Gilliland were also named as defendants in the suit.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jul 26 2012, 02:09 PM
Bob Szilagyi posted to LaPorte County Prosecuting Attorney facebook page
I have been asked about the status of the school case quite abit recently. The school corporation was dismissed but the other actions on non reporting remain active. Based on a defense motion to dismiss regarding the statute of limitations [ time period to file criminal charges ] which the court denied this matter is now on appeal regarding that issue. If the appellate court uphold the trial court the cases will be set for trial. If the trial court is overturned then the cases end and the charges will have to be dismissed. The defense has alleged that charges should have been filed no later than 2 years after ashcraft's termination or Oct 2010. The state maintains that there were statutory exceptions that extended the period of limitations. The appellate court will have to determine which technical position is correct
Posted by: Ang Jul 26 2012, 02:54 PM
What about the case in MC with the police officer? She filed after two years, but only because she wasn't 18. When she was 18, she filed. So, what is the difference? Does anyone know?
Dave, our resident non-attorney....do you know what's the difference?
Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 27 2012, 11:39 AM
http://posttrib.suntimes.com/news/porter/14703339-418/former-knox-basketball-coach-charged-with-sex-with-student.html
QUOTE
Former Knox basketball coach charged with sex with student
By Terry Turner Post-Tribune correspondent August 24, 2012 6:04PM
Updated: August 25, 2012 2:02AM
KNOX — Former Knox High School boys basketball coach Todd Boldry was arrested by Knox police Friday morning at Knox Middle School for two felony charges, child seduction and official misconduct.
Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall set bond for Boldry, 39, at $100.000.
The charges filed against Boldry allege an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student.
According to a probable cause affidavit in Starke Circuit Court, the encounter began in the fall of 2007, while the victim was a junior at Knox High School. Boldry is alleged to have contacted the girl through text messages and the pair began meeting in a training room at the school. Boldry also allegedly purchased a second cell phone with which he would contact the victim.
The inappropriate contact continued from 2007 through 2009, when the girl said she became pregnant. She gave birth to a son in May 2010, and since then a DNA test has indicated that Boldry is the father of the child.
Under Boldry as coach, the Knox Redskins won three sectional championships and a regional championship. He resigned after last year’s season.
By Terry Turner Post-Tribune correspondent August 24, 2012 6:04PM
Updated: August 25, 2012 2:02AM
KNOX — Former Knox High School boys basketball coach Todd Boldry was arrested by Knox police Friday morning at Knox Middle School for two felony charges, child seduction and official misconduct.
Starke Circuit Court Judge Kim Hall set bond for Boldry, 39, at $100.000.
The charges filed against Boldry allege an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student.
According to a probable cause affidavit in Starke Circuit Court, the encounter began in the fall of 2007, while the victim was a junior at Knox High School. Boldry is alleged to have contacted the girl through text messages and the pair began meeting in a training room at the school. Boldry also allegedly purchased a second cell phone with which he would contact the victim.
The inappropriate contact continued from 2007 through 2009, when the girl said she became pregnant. She gave birth to a son in May 2010, and since then a DNA test has indicated that Boldry is the father of the child.
Under Boldry as coach, the Knox Redskins won three sectional championships and a regional championship. He resigned after last year’s season.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Aug 27 2012, 12:08 PM
This is a strange one. It seems as if they have a kid together, and he was long ago fired for this. What took so long?
Posted by: Ang Aug 27 2012, 01:02 PM
She probably didn't say who the father was until she needed child support or some such thing. Or she didn't want to and the parents pushed her into telling.....
My guess is the need for money to raise the child.......
And no, I am not implying anything negative about the girl or her character. As a single mom myself, I know how difficult it is raising a child without support from the father. I'm guessing she thought she could do it by herself and she wouldn't have to tell who the father is. But she either realized it's too difficult, or her parents pushed her to tell in an effort to get child support.
Just a guess, I have no facts....
Posted by: HIaloha Aug 27 2012, 02:20 PM
maybe for coming "out" about it, the timing is odd. i'm guessing the fact that she was impregnated in '09, giving birth in 2010... she'd have been a whole 18 years old then?? junior year 07/08, senior year 08/09 -- thank Heaven she at least was able to graduate!
you know, it's likely true that not all sexual allegations are true... but i really think for kids now seeing that those people in AUTHORITY over them actually ARE having to be accountable for misdeeds - i think maybe it gives hope to some to bring it out in the open, not like an attitude of "why bother?" make sense?
Posted by: Ang Aug 27 2012, 02:39 PM
I know what you're saying. But there are a lot of kids who do make it up for some type of retribution. I knew a woman whose daughter said her step-dad was molesting her. He denied it, but was tried and convicted and went to jail. The mother was devastated, and she had the daughter go through therapy. During the therapy, there were inconsistancies in the girl's story. So, the mother had the girl hypnotized in an effort to get her to "remember" exactly what happened. Turned out the girl made it all up because she didn't like her step-dad....he was "too strict" with her and she wanted him gone. She had heard a story on the news about a girl who was molested and the man went to jail, so she decided she would make up being molested so he would go to jail and be out of their lives.
The girl was only 11 at the time she made all that up. She looked at porn so she could give details of events, and kept track of times her mom was gone from the house so she could say things happened at those times. The therapist recorded the whole conversation and turned it over to the courts. The guy ended up having all the charges dropped and was released from jail. By that time, the girl was almost 18, and after her birthday, he sued her for defamation of character, lost wages, etc. He won his day in court, but since the girl was a wefare child, and probably going to stay on welfare during her adult life, he wasn't able to get any money out of her. He didn't care about that though. He just wanted his name cleared and for people to know the girl lied about him.
What an awful thing to do to somebody!
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Aug 28 2012, 08:54 AM
To me there is a difference between sexual allegations, and allegations involving a public figure. In a public school setting, there is no way this was a secret, especially with a baby involved.
The other thought I had was if I were a school administrator or board member, I might start thinking twice about hiring male coaches for female teams. Granted 99.9% of them will never do something like this, but are the ones that do worth the risk, headache, and damaging of reputations? Not to mention the impact on the kids.
Posted by: taxthedeer Aug 28 2012, 10:41 AM
QUOTE(Southsider2k12 @ Aug 28 2012, 09:54 AM)
To me there is a difference between sexual allegations, and allegations involving a public figure. In a public school setting, there is no way this was a secret, especially with a baby involved.
The other thought I had was if I were a school administrator or board member, I might start thinking twice about hiring male coaches for female teams. Granted 99.9% of them will never do something like this, but are the ones that do worth the risk, headache, and damaging of reputations? Not to mention the impact on the kids.
Posted by: Commuter Nov 16 2012, 04:03 PM
Not a good day for Coach Lebo. . .
Link:
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/appeals-court-oks-lebo-trial-in-laporte-hs-volleyball-sex/article_3189e3b8-eec7-5b45-a895-acee0f893e36.html
QUOTE
INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana Court of Appeals gave the go-ahead Friday for a trial to determine whether a former LaPorte High School volleyball coach failed to report an illegal sexual relationship between another coach and a student athlete.
MaryBeth Lebo faces two misdemeanor charges of failing to report child abuse or neglect for allegedly not informing the school, police or Department of Child Services that Robert Ashcraft was engaged in a sexual relationship with the 15-year-old girl.
Lebo is also accused of instructing players not to tell anyone about Ashcraft's 2007-08 relationship with the girl, according to court records.
Ashcraft, 48, was convicted last year of four felonies involving sexual misconduct and sentenced to 21 years in prison.
In February, LaPorte Superior Judge Jennifer Koethe denied Lebo's motion to dismiss the failure-to-report charges.
Lebo argued in her appeal the charges were barred by the two-year statute of limitations and were not specific enough to prove she was aware of Ashcraft's illegal acts.
In a 2-1 decision, the appeals court rejected Lebo's statute-of-limitations claim because Lebo allegedly helped conceal Ashcraft's crime. The court also said the failure to report child abuse is a continuing offense under which the duty to report exists so long as a person is aware of the abuse.
In addition, the court said Indiana law does not require actual knowledge of child abuse to prompt a report, just a "reason to believe" abuse is occurring.
The Ashcraft relationship details in the charges against Lebo -- including his leaning on the girl's legs during a movie, putting his arm around her and acting like boyfriend and girlfriend -- met that standard, the appeals court said.
Judge John Baker dissented from that portion of the court's ruling.
He said, in retrospect Ashcraft's actions suggest an inappropriate relationship, but at the time "there is no way that a person in a similar position as Lebo would 'feel certain' that Ashcraft was engaging in illegal sexual acts."
The appeals court decision rejecting Lebo's motion to dismiss can still be appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court.
MaryBeth Lebo faces two misdemeanor charges of failing to report child abuse or neglect for allegedly not informing the school, police or Department of Child Services that Robert Ashcraft was engaged in a sexual relationship with the 15-year-old girl.
Lebo is also accused of instructing players not to tell anyone about Ashcraft's 2007-08 relationship with the girl, according to court records.
Ashcraft, 48, was convicted last year of four felonies involving sexual misconduct and sentenced to 21 years in prison.
In February, LaPorte Superior Judge Jennifer Koethe denied Lebo's motion to dismiss the failure-to-report charges.
Lebo argued in her appeal the charges were barred by the two-year statute of limitations and were not specific enough to prove she was aware of Ashcraft's illegal acts.
In a 2-1 decision, the appeals court rejected Lebo's statute-of-limitations claim because Lebo allegedly helped conceal Ashcraft's crime. The court also said the failure to report child abuse is a continuing offense under which the duty to report exists so long as a person is aware of the abuse.
In addition, the court said Indiana law does not require actual knowledge of child abuse to prompt a report, just a "reason to believe" abuse is occurring.
The Ashcraft relationship details in the charges against Lebo -- including his leaning on the girl's legs during a movie, putting his arm around her and acting like boyfriend and girlfriend -- met that standard, the appeals court said.
Judge John Baker dissented from that portion of the court's ruling.
He said, in retrospect Ashcraft's actions suggest an inappropriate relationship, but at the time "there is no way that a person in a similar position as Lebo would 'feel certain' that Ashcraft was engaging in illegal sexual acts."
The appeals court decision rejecting Lebo's motion to dismiss can still be appealed to the Indiana Supreme Court.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Nov 16 2012, 05:41 PM
QUOTE(Commuter @ Nov 16 2012, 04:03 PM)
Not a good day for Coach Lebo. . .
Link:
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/appeals-court-oks-lebo-trial-in-laporte-hs-volleyball-sex/article_3189e3b8-eec7-5b45-a895-acee0f893e36.html
Good. I have no pity for any of the people who covered this up.
Posted by: Commuter Nov 17 2012, 02:55 PM
Perhaps it's a good time for an encore of an earlier article -- now that the elections are complete (emphasis added):
QUOTE
Documenting the accusations
In an Oct. 28, 2008, e-mail, head volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo asked an athletic trainer to tell her what she witnessed the previous day between Ashcraft and his alleged victim, saying, "I need everything documented and on file. It is a very long story, but I need to continue to document."
Before responding directly to Lebo, the trainer forwarded the note to another person, saying, "Oh boy, it's everywhere."
Ashcraft was called to a meeting the following day with Lebo, Principal Greg Handel and Athletic Director Ed Gilliland, prompting suspicion from Ashcraft's wife, Rhonda Ashcraft, who was assistant varsity volleyball coach.
Rhonda e-mailed Lebo, asking, "What is going on???? Why does Ed want to meet with Bobby today?" Moments later, Lebo replied, "I have been asked by the administration not to discuss it."
Neither Rhonda Ashcraft nor Lebo responded to Times calls seeking comment.
Principal Handel later wrote Assistant Superintendent Jim Dermody about the meeting, according to the e-mails.
"Ed reviewed the most recent observation of how the directions were not followed, Bob (Ashcraft) Agreed," Handel wrote. "Ed told him it was insubirdination (sic) and asked for his immediate resignation. Ed produced a resignation letter, and Bob signed it."
Later that October 2008 afternoon, Dermody wrote LaPorte schools Superintendent Judith DeMuth informing her, "The meeting with Bob Ashcraft was held today."
In December 2009, DeMuth told The Times that Ashcraft's charges and alleged relationship came as a surprise.
"I know as much as you do," DeMuth said. "The first I heard of it was when The Times contacted us."
In an Oct. 28, 2008, e-mail, head volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo asked an athletic trainer to tell her what she witnessed the previous day between Ashcraft and his alleged victim, saying, "I need everything documented and on file. It is a very long story, but I need to continue to document."
Before responding directly to Lebo, the trainer forwarded the note to another person, saying, "Oh boy, it's everywhere."
Ashcraft was called to a meeting the following day with Lebo, Principal Greg Handel and Athletic Director Ed Gilliland, prompting suspicion from Ashcraft's wife, Rhonda Ashcraft, who was assistant varsity volleyball coach.
Rhonda e-mailed Lebo, asking, "What is going on???? Why does Ed want to meet with Bobby today?" Moments later, Lebo replied, "I have been asked by the administration not to discuss it."
Neither Rhonda Ashcraft nor Lebo responded to Times calls seeking comment.
Principal Handel later wrote Assistant Superintendent Jim Dermody about the meeting, according to the e-mails.
"Ed reviewed the most recent observation of how the directions were not followed, Bob (Ashcraft) Agreed," Handel wrote. "Ed told him it was insubirdination (sic) and asked for his immediate resignation. Ed produced a resignation letter, and Bob signed it."
Later that October 2008 afternoon, Dermody wrote LaPorte schools Superintendent Judith DeMuth informing her, "The meeting with Bob Ashcraft was held today."
In December 2009, DeMuth told The Times that Ashcraft's charges and alleged relationship came as a surprise.
"I know as much as you do," DeMuth said. "The first I heard of it was when The Times contacted us."
(source: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/laporte-school-heads-knew-hushed-ashcraft-case-e-mails-show/article_760d537e-fda8-568a-afcc-a39b28814983.html)
I am normally VERY pro-union, but I think the world would be a better place if the NEA was abolished. When you get the aforequoted level of secrecy around children, the outcomes are never favorable to anyone.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Nov 20 2012, 09:41 AM
QUOTE(Commuter @ Nov 17 2012, 02:55 PM)
Perhaps it's a good time for an encore of an earlier article -- now that the elections are complete (emphasis added):
(source: http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/lake/laporte-school-heads-knew-hushed-ashcraft-case-e-mails-show/article_760d537e-fda8-568a-afcc-a39b28814983.html)
I am normally VERY pro-union, but I think the world would be a better place if the NEA was abolished. When you get the aforequoted level of secrecy around children, the outcomes are never favorable to anyone.
The administration of the LaPorte Schools is just as much at fault here, if not more. Something like this isn't something to discuss over email. You go to the proper authorities and you make the report. There isn't gray area for interpretation.
It is one thing that the MCAS got right in its handling of the Dabagia situation. You don't get to determine guilt. You do involved the proper authorities and let them decide.
Posted by: Commuter Nov 21 2012, 11:29 AM
QUOTE(Southsider2k12 @ Nov 20 2012, 10:41 AM)
You go to the proper authorities.
Agreed!
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Dec 10 2012, 03:00 PM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/appeals-court-orders-trial-for-laporte-high-school-athletic-director/article_997dd4e3-0b2f-5369-ab4e-8192953def34.html
QUOTE
Appeals court orders trial for LaPorte High School athletic director
1 hour ago • Dan Carden dan.carden@nwi.com, (317) 637-9078
Gilliland v. State ruling of Indiana Court of Appeals
INDIANAPOLIS | The Indiana Court of Appeals on Monday cleared the way for a trial to determine whether the LaPorte High School athletic director should have reported child abuse he allegedly knew took place.
Edward Gilliland was charged last year with two misdemeanor counts of failing to report child abuse or neglect. He allegedly did not contact authorities when parents of students on the school's volleyball team told him in 2007 the assistant coach was rubbing lotion on players' bodies and spending time alone with one student before and after school.
That assistant coach, Robert Ashcraft, 48, was later convicted of four felonies involving sexual conduct with a 15-year-old student-athlete. He's currently serving 21 years in prison.
Gilliland argued in his appeal of LaPorte Superior Judge Jennifer Koethe's decision denying his motion to dismiss that the 2011 charges were barred by the state's two-year statute of limitations for misdemeanors. Gilliland also claimed the reports of a potentially inappropriate relationship were not evidence of child abuse.
The appeals court rejected both claims.
It ruled the statute of limitations does not apply because Gilliland helped conceal Ashcraft's crime by telling LaPorte police in 2008 that he "had no knowledge whatsoever" why Ashcraft resigned, despite Gilliland having recorded the parents' concerns in Ashcraft's personnel file.
In addition, the court said evidence of a sexual relationship isn't required to trigger the duty to report, just awareness of inappropriate contact.
"It is for a jury to determine whether Gilliland had reason to believe (the student) was a victim of child abuse or neglect based on his knowledge that Ashcraft had given foot rubs to (the student) and rubbed lotion on her back," the court said.
A different three-judge Court of Appeals panel ruled last month that MaryBeth Lebo, the former head volleyball coach at LaPorte High School, can also be tried for failing to report child abuse.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Dec 28 2012, 01:18 PM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/appeals-court-rejects-sentence-reduction-request-in-laporte-coach-sex/article_2b8b0f53-aaf7-5161-8bfa-b363636a1907.html
QUOTE
Appeals court rejects sentence reduction request in LaPorte coach sex case
54 minutes ago • By Dan Carden dan.carden@nwi.com, (317) 637-9078
Ashcraft v. Indiana ruling of Indiana Court of Appeals
INDIANAPOLIS | A former LaPorte High School volleyball coach, convicted of four felonies following a two-year sexual relationship with a student athlete, must serve his full 21-year prison sentence, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Friday.
Robert Ashcraft, 48, asked the appeals court to reduce his prison term because he claimed the female volleyball player, who was 14 at the the start of their relationship in 2007, was a "willing and enthusiastic participant" in their sexual encounters, according to court records.
In a 3-0 decision, the appeals court said it found that argument "reprehensible in light of the circumstance of this case," noting that Ashcraft violated his position of trust over the girl as a coach and family friend, manipulated the girl into covering up his actions and caused her emotional trauma.
"For all of these reasons, we conclude that Ashcraft's aggregate 21-year executed sentence is not inappropriate in light of the nature of the offense and the character of the offender," wrote Judge Paul Mathias for the appeals court.
The court also rejected Ashcraft's claim that he was denied a timely trial.
Misdemeanor charges alleging a failure to report child abuse in connection with this case are still pending against Edward Gilliland, LaPorte High School's athletic director, and MaryBeth Lebo, the school's former head volleyball coach.
The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled in separate decisions over the past six weeks that trials for Gilliland and Lebo should proceed.
Posted by: taxthedeer Jan 30 2013, 03:08 PM
This guy came to teach at Portage from Indianapolis, if he graduated from Portage he would have been either in my class or a year ahead of us, the article states he was also the Portage High School girls golf coach:
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/valparaiso/former-fegely-teacher-now-charged-with-sex-with-underage-girl/article_f1a140d5-3560-5bc5-bb8f-ebbb835084bf.html
QUOTE
Former Fegely teacher now charged with sex with underage girl
Bryan Tyman
3 hours ago • Bob Kasarda bob.kasarda@nwi.com, (219) 548-4345
(14) Comments
VALPARAISO | The criminal case against former Fegely Middle School teacher Bryan Tyman became much more serious Wednesday when he was charged with having a sexual relationship with a former student that began two weeks before her 16th birthday.
The girl told police the sexual relationship began in August and they had sex twice while she was still 15 and then on average of once a week through Jan. 24 at his house in Portage.
She said 44-year-old Tyman had initiated contact with her in June through a private message on Facebook asking what she was wearing, according to the charging information. They began spending time together shopping and watching movies at his house, she said.
She said Tyman was aware she was younger than the legal age of consent, which is 16, because he had been her teacher, was friends with the her mother and had bought her presents for her 16th birthday.
She also gave police a letter she said was written by Tyman that says in part, "My love for you must be kept quiet until you are old enough."
Pleas of not guilty were entered Wednesday on Tyman's behalf to the latest B felony charge of sexual misconduct with a minor and the two D felony counts of child solicitation and D felony vicarious sexual gratification filed Monday.
He faces six to 20 years behind bars on the B felony count and six months to three years on each of the other charges.
Tyman said little during an initial video hearing conducted Wednesday morning between the jail and courthouse. He was represented by defense attorney Bryan Truitt.
Senior Judge Raymond Kickbush set bond at $50,000 surety and $10,000 cash, which means Tyman needs to come up with a minimum of $15,000 to be released from the jail where he has been held since Friday.
Deputy Prosecutor Trista Hudson sought a much higher bond of $200,000 surety and $50,000 cash, arguing it was justified because there are four minors involved and Tyman was in a position of trust at the time of the alleged offenses as an 8th grade social studies teacher.
Tyman is accused in the first three charges with sending a sexually explicit photo of himself to a group of three girls on Dec. 29 and engaging in sexually explicit text messages on that date and during December 2011. Three of the girls were 15 at the time of the alleged offenses and the third was 14, Hudson said.
Kickbush ordered Tyman to have no further contact with the girls. A father of one of the girls was present during Wednesday's initial hearing.
Tyman, who has also served as coach of the Portage High School girls golf team, was fired Monday by the school board.
Posted by: Commuter Feb 24 2013, 09:33 AM
Wow this is awful.
Posted by: Commuter Mar 2 2013, 11:18 PM
http://heraldargus.com/articles/2013/03/02/news/local/doc513171165b670317389565.txt#blogcomments
Possible deal in the works to dismiss criminal charges against Lebo and Gilliland.
I expect the whole thing to be swept under the carpet.
Posted by: MCRogers1974 Mar 3 2013, 06:21 AM
QUOTE(Commuter @ Mar 2 2013, 11:18 PM)
http://heraldargus.com/articles/2013/03/02/news/local/doc513171165b670317389565.txt#blogcomments
Possible deal in the works to dismiss criminal charges against Lebo and Gilliland.
I expect the whole thing to be swept under the carpet.
I find it odd that the clown lawyer representing these two indicated earlier that they were 100% innocent and that a plea agreement would never come to be.
Posted by: Commuter Mar 3 2013, 09:01 PM
Dismissal doesn't sound like a plea. It sounds like a win for the "clown lawyer."
What bothers me is the message it sends to at-risk students (any student approaching sexual maturity).
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Mar 4 2013, 07:56 AM
QUOTE(Commuter @ Mar 3 2013, 09:01 PM)
Dismissal doesn't sound like a plea. It sounds like a win for the "clown lawyer."
What bothers me is the message it sends to at-risk students (any student approaching sexual maturity).
Our jobs>Your kids safety. Welcome to Laporte.
Posted by: MCRogers1974 Mar 11 2013, 07:02 PM
QUOTE(Commuter @ Mar 3 2013, 10:01 PM)
Dismissal doesn't sound like a plea. It sounds like a win for the "clown lawyer."
What bothers me is the message it sends to at-risk students (any student approaching sexual maturity).
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/attorney-laporte-prosecutors-won-t-put-school-officials-on-trial/article_1e88561f-3263-523d-a2e6-ad3cd5098182.html
Looks like Gilliland and Lebo will escape a trial.
LaPorte prosecutors won't put school officials on trial.
Two LaPorte High School officials accused of failing to report an inappropriate relationship between a junior varsity volleyball coach and an underage girl will not be prosecuted, an attorney for the girl's family complained Monday, saying the family was told such a prosecution would "cost too much money."
Athletic Director Edward Gilliland and head volleyball coach MaryBeth Lebo each were charged with two misdemeanor counts of failure of duty to report the sexual crimes.
They are accused of having reason to believe a relationship between the girl and Robert Ashcraft, a former girls assistant volleyball coach, was happening and not reporting it to law enforcement or child protective services between August 2007 and October 2008, court records state.
Ashcraft was found guilty in 2011 of three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one count of child seduction, court records show. He is serving a 21-year prison sentence.
Attorney Tim Stoesz, who represents the girl's family, said the LaPorte County prosecutor's office told the girl's family a month ago that Lebo and Gilliland were offered pre-trial diversion, which does not require them to admit blame or guilt.
Under pre-trial diversion, charges against defendants are dismissed if they stay out of trouble for a designated period of time.
Stoesz said the girl's family was told the primary reason for prosecutors offering pre-trial diversion was because prosecuting them "would cost too much money."
Stoesz represents the family in a civil lawsuit against Ashcraft, Gilliland, Lebo, the state and LaPorte Community School Corp., claiming officials ignored indications the relationship was happening. That suit is pending.
"I have personally reviewed the evidence contained in the Indiana State Police investigation report and, in my professional opinion, the evidence against MaryBeth Lebo and Ed Gilliland is very strong," Stoesz said in a written statement to The Times.
Deputy Prosecutor Chris Fronk said the cases against Gilliland and Lebo still are pending, but he challenged Stoesz's interpretation of their status.
"I would not agree that that is a correct assessment of the matter," Fronk said.
Posted by: Commuter Mar 11 2013, 08:48 PM
"Truth is stranger than fiction." -- Mark Twain
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Mar 11 2013, 09:14 PM
Well it looks like if you want to be protected as a child molester LaPorte has become a solid option.
Posted by: Commuter Mar 12 2013, 12:40 PM
I hope this story gets picked up by the local papers.
"Failure to report" doesn't seem limited to the defendants.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Mar 12 2013, 02:15 PM
QUOTE(Commuter @ Mar 12 2013, 01:40 PM)
I hope this story gets picked up by the local papers.
"Failure to report" doesn't seem limited to the defendants.
It makes me feel a lot better about how MCAS handled the situation at MCHS this year.
Posted by: Commuter Mar 12 2013, 09:30 PM
QUOTE(Southsider2k12 @ Mar 12 2013, 02:15 PM)
It makes me feel a lot better about how MCAS handled the situation at MCHS this year.
No complaints there. I was making a tongue-in-cheek reference to the local papers' failure to report. Not against the law -- but you always have to look away from here for news of prison escapees and other disquieting local news.
Posted by: Tim Mar 13 2013, 12:33 AM
"which does not require them to admit blame or guilt."
How does one admit blame?
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Mar 13 2013, 05:44 AM
QUOTE(Commuter @ Mar 12 2013, 10:30 PM)
No complaints there. I was making a tongue-in-cheek reference to the local papers' failure to report. Not against the law -- but you always have to look away from here for news of prison escapees and other disquieting local news.
I can't argue with that. It is odd which stories end up in the paper, and which ones don't. Even sometimes with them ended up in the papers of the surrounding towns.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Mar 15 2013, 09:31 AM
Someone is circulating a petition to try to make sure Gilliand and Lebo go on trial on change.org, but I can't find the thing. Has anyone got a link?
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Mar 22 2013, 02:12 PM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/attorney-seeks-new-venue-special-prosecutor-in-laporte-school-sex/article_c74cc246-c545-5718-b91b-17e97ffbd232.html
QUOTE
LAPORTE COUNTY | A judge Thursday scheduled hearings on a motion that two LaPorte school officials should be tried outside the county on allegations they failed to report their suspicions of a sexual relationship between a now former coach and player.
LaPorte Superior Court Judge Jennifer Koethe also decided to hear motions that a special prosecutor be appointed in the case and that both cases be tried together during the same hearings.
Koethe is scheduled to hear all of the arguments for the entire day on June 5 and for a half-day on June 6 on the motions submitted Wednesday by the defense and prosecution.
Defense attorney Elizabeth Flynn, in her written motion for a change of venue, said pre-trial publicity could make it difficult to find jurors who would not be tainted from what they've read about the case in the press.
LaPorte High School athletic director Ed Gilliland and former girls varsity volleyball coach Mary Beth Lebo are charged with two counts of Class B misdemeanor failure to report child abuse and neglect.
LaPorte Superior Court Judge Jennifer Koethe also decided to hear motions that a special prosecutor be appointed in the case and that both cases be tried together during the same hearings.
Koethe is scheduled to hear all of the arguments for the entire day on June 5 and for a half-day on June 6 on the motions submitted Wednesday by the defense and prosecution.
Defense attorney Elizabeth Flynn, in her written motion for a change of venue, said pre-trial publicity could make it difficult to find jurors who would not be tainted from what they've read about the case in the press.
LaPorte High School athletic director Ed Gilliland and former girls varsity volleyball coach Mary Beth Lebo are charged with two counts of Class B misdemeanor failure to report child abuse and neglect.
Posted by: Commuter Mar 25 2013, 03:10 PM
I wonder what this is costing taxpayers?
This is getting ridiculous.
Add to that the record-setting $18.7 million sought by the victim and her family ($500+ for each working adult in LaPorte County, or roughly $187 for every man woman and child) and I've started to question the whole thing.
Posted by: MCRogers1974 Mar 25 2013, 05:58 PM
QUOTE(Commuter @ Mar 25 2013, 04:10 PM)
I wonder what this is costing taxpayers?
This is getting ridiculous.
Add to that the record-setting $18.7 million sought by the victim and her family ($500+ for each working adult in LaPorte County, or roughly $187 for every man woman and child) and I've started to question the whole thing.
The tax payers of La Porte County would not be responsible should any lawsuit be lost. The patrons of the La Porte Community School Corp. would be responsible. Plus, I assume the LP school system has insurance against such losses.
Posted by: Commuter Mar 26 2013, 03:56 PM
Insurance companies have denied claims based on negligence on the part of their insured, or third-party negligence on the part of the policyholder (the corporation) which employed the offender. Never assume until the check is cashed.
Posted by: Commuter Apr 8 2013, 08:12 AM
Why read fiction? Reality is so much more ironic.
Gilliland receives distinguished service award and award of merit from the Indiana Athletic Administrators Association and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association.
Story:
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/embattled-laporte-athletic-director-receives-two-awards-for-his-work/article_d3445543-0014-5d65-9075-e27b10ef528f.html?comment_form=true#comments
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jun 7 2013, 09:15 AM
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/separate-trial-dates-set-for-laporte-schools-lebo-gilliland/article_b26809a4-47e0-56a4-8000-66a6fd794f73.html
QUOTE
LAPORTE | Separate trial dates have been set for LaPorte High School athletic director Ed Gilliland and former high school girls volleyball coach Mary Beth Lebo on allegations they failed to report suspicions of a sexual relationship between a now former coach and player.
LaPorte Superior Court 3 Judge Jennifer Koethe on Wednesday scheduled the trial for Lebo starting Aug. 12 and the trial for Gilliland to begin Aug. 26.
She also granted the motion by LaPorte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi to remove his office from the case and seek an outside prosecutor.
The defense alleged Szilagyi had a conflict of interest due to personal feelings against Lebo and Gilliland.
Szilagyi disputed the claim, but said he asked for his office to be removed to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
A request by the defense to have the trial outside LaPorte County due to pretrial publicity and a motion by prosecutors for the cases to be tried together were not decided.
No hearing date was set to hear those arguments. A hearing date will be set once an outside prosecutor is chosen, according to courtroom officials.
LaPorte Superior Court 3 Judge Jennifer Koethe on Wednesday scheduled the trial for Lebo starting Aug. 12 and the trial for Gilliland to begin Aug. 26.
She also granted the motion by LaPorte County Prosecutor Bob Szilagyi to remove his office from the case and seek an outside prosecutor.
The defense alleged Szilagyi had a conflict of interest due to personal feelings against Lebo and Gilliland.
Szilagyi disputed the claim, but said he asked for his office to be removed to avoid any appearance of impropriety.
A request by the defense to have the trial outside LaPorte County due to pretrial publicity and a motion by prosecutors for the cases to be tried together were not decided.
No hearing date was set to hear those arguments. A hearing date will be set once an outside prosecutor is chosen, according to courtroom officials.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Aug 6 2013, 09:03 AM
http://articles.wsbt.com/2013-08-02/robert-ashcraft_41013777
QUOTE
Venue moved in suspected sexual abuse case against LaPorte school officials
August 02, 2013|WSBT-TV Report
LAPORTE – The case against two LaPorte school administrators accused of not reporting suspected child abuse has been moved to Allen County.
The judge approved a "change of venue" because of pre-trial publicity.
Former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft is serving 21 years behind bars for having a sexual relationship with an underage female player.
Athletic Director Ed Gilliland and former coach Marybeth Lebo are accused of not reporting their suspicions about Ashcraft to the proper people.
A special prosecutor is handling the case.
August 02, 2013|WSBT-TV Report
LAPORTE – The case against two LaPorte school administrators accused of not reporting suspected child abuse has been moved to Allen County.
The judge approved a "change of venue" because of pre-trial publicity.
Former volleyball coach Robert Ashcraft is serving 21 years behind bars for having a sexual relationship with an underage female player.
Athletic Director Ed Gilliland and former coach Marybeth Lebo are accused of not reporting their suspicions about Ashcraft to the proper people.
A special prosecutor is handling the case.
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Aug 6 2013, 09:03 AM
more details on the venue move...
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/laporte/city-of-laporte/gilliland-lebo-trial-wil-be-in-allen-county/article_89da2722-42a2-55e3-a603-c7f7d762ffcd.html
Posted by: Southsider2k12 Jan 31 2015, 09:52 AM
The Feds say the LaPorte School system violated Federal Laws in this case.
http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/report-laporte-schools-may-have-violated-federal-sexual-harassment-laws/31016428
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