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http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6180195&nav=0Ra7
March 5, 2007 05:12 PM
NEW PALESTINE, Ind. - Monday the Hancock County prosecutor filed formal charges against a high school gymnastics coach and she is not the only one in trouble over a teen party with alcohol.
During her seven years as gymnastics coach at New Palestine High School, 30-year-old Andrea Chestnut has led the team to several sectional championship wins. But that will not be the case this year, Chestnut now faces criminal charges.
"We are extremely disappointed that a coach would act in a way that would bring harm to our students and dishonor to our school and community," said Jan Bergeson, New Palestine High School Principal.
It is what police say happened Feb. 24 that led to school and police investigations.
"The kids on the gymnastics team were having a party at her home without her present, without any adult present and she had furnished the alcohol," said Dean Dobbins, Hancock County Prosecutor.
Dobbins said Chestnut claimed to be out of town with her boyfriend, but police say before she left she bought a 12 pack of Smirnoff Ice and a bottle of vodka and took it to the school parking lot where she left it in the trunk of her car for the teen that was going to care for Chestnut's 11-year-old daughter while she was out of town.
"The fact that a person of this type would leave her 11-year-old daughter with a 16-year-old male child with the idea that there is going to be a party at the house bothers me," said Dobbins.
According to court documents, Chestnut told police that she knew there would be a party going on at her house. She also told police that she knew the alcohol she bought would be for that party.
Chestnut faces two misdemeanor charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and furnishing alcohol to a minor.
"The head coach Andrea Chestnut was suspended from coaching and will be recommended for termination at the next school board meeting," said Bergeson.
The school also suspended nine student athletes from participation in the current sports season and part of the next, however, they are still attending school. Chestnut was not a teacher at the school.
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