Versailles, In. — More than 50 people packed the Ripley County Circuit Room for a 2 ½ hour hearing to determine the legal fate of former Jac-Cen-Del volunteer assistant girls basketball coach, Chad Pindell.
After hearing the testimony of seven witnesses called by the defense special judge Jon Cleary sentenced to Pindell to 36-months in prison with no time suspended, no probation and no parole. Pindell will get credit for 39 days served and be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years following his release.
Defense attorney Jud McMillin and witnesses described Pindell as a good man who had made a bad choice, a decision he has accepted responsibility for and has demonstrated remorse.
McMillin pointed out apparent flaws in the Indiana Risk Assessment System. The system allows scores to be voided by simply by identifying the crime as sex-related. Pindell’s low score from a lack of criminal history, no substance abuse issues and adequate family and peer support was thrown out because of the policy. Additionally, McMillin argued the age of consent in Indiana 16 and the victim was 17 ½ at the time. In Indiana, a person over the age of 21-years-old can legally have a relationship with someone 16-years-old or older. Charges were filed in this case because Pindell cleared legal thresholds by being a volunteer at the school.
During testimony, Indiana State Police detective Peter Tressler presented evidence that there were 4,858 Snapchat conversations between Pindell and the victim between January 16, 2018, and February 12, 2018. The messages were exchanged just before the two participated in sexual activity on school property. Tressler told the court there was a former player that Pindell had messaged with in excess of 2,000 times as well.
Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel characterized the flow of messages between the two as “grooming”, while McMillin asserted the communication was school related and that the number may seem high but the number of messages accumulate quickly.
At one point during the proceedings, McMillin asked the judge for permission to allow the people who supported Pindell to stand- an overwhelming majority took to their feet.
During closing arguments, Hertel placed an empty chair in view of the judge and asked, Who is here for the victim? She was a standout athlete, top student and her senior year was ruined by his actions.”
This story will be updated.
