Versailles, In. — A special judge in the case of a former assistant coach for the girls’ basketball team at Jac-Cen-Del High School insists he must serve at least three years in prison.
The defense expected Judge Jon Cleary to accept a guilty plea to child seduction from Chad Pindell, 36, of Napoleon, and issue a sentence of time served with a probation period. However, Cleary said, “when children go to school and are a part of extracurricular activities they are expected to be safe and that did not happen here.” Further, the judge cited an ongoing relationship between Pindell and the victim, his position of authority and his use of social media to send pictures to the victim.
Ripley County prosecutor Ric Hertel believes the goals of all parties were achieved in the case- the victim will not be required to testify, but submit a written statement during sentencing, and protection of the community has been adequately considered.
Pindell will be held in the Ripley County Jail until sentencing on February 7. He faces from 1 to 6 years in prison. Judge Ryan King recused himself from the case.
