H.S. coach accused of failing to report sex abuse indicted
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The boy's basketball coach at a Tennessee high school where basketball players are accused of raping younger teammates has been indicted on four counts of failure to report child sex abuse, officials say.
Andre Montgomery was indicted this week on the charges, related to the alleged rapes of four freshman during a December 2015 out-of-town basketball tournament in Sevier County, Tennessee, according to a statement from the Hamilton County District Attorney's Office. One of the boys from Ooltewah High School in Hamilton County required emergency surgery for his injuries, District Attorney Neal Pinkston has said.
Last week, the school's assistant principal was sentenced to community service and a class on mandatory reporting for failing to report the abuse.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reported the judge on May 11 approved a pre-trial diversion plan for Allard "Jesse" Nayadley, which includes 10 hours of community service. If he complies, his record can be wiped clean after six months.
According to the pretrial diversion, Nayadley, who is also the school's Athletic Director, admits no wrongdoing, reports CBS affiliate WDEF.
Assistant coach Karl Williams also faces charges of failing to report abuse. His case is pending before a grand jury.
Three players are facing aggravated rape charges after they allegedly assaulted a freshman teammate during a hazing incident on Dec. 22. Prosecutors tried to have one of the teens transferred from juvenile to adult court, but the judge rejected the bid in March.