Ex-Woodmore coach enters no-contest plea

2/26/2005

PORT CLINTON The former Woodmore High School wrestling coach accused last year of soliciting sex from female students and showing them pornographic films yesterday pleaded no contest to one count of compelling prostitution.

The no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt but acknowledges the truth of the facts in the indictment, a deputy clerk in the Ottawa County clerk of court s office said yesterday.

John Bedford entered his plea to the third-degree felony after months of legal back-and-forth. The two sides never seemed able to meet, and trial dates were pushed back more than once. Bedford was to go to trial next week, the clerk said.

The prosecution agreed to drop 22 other counts of compelling prostitution and disseminating material harmful to juveniles.

Sentencing was set for 1:30 p.m. April 28. The maximum penalty is five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Assistant prosecutor Lorrain Croy did not return a phone call seeking comment.