Jury acquits Port Clinton former coach in sex trial

9/13/2008

PORT CLINTON, Ohio A former assistant coach for Port Clinton City Schools, accused of having an 18-month relationship with a student, was acquitted yesterday by an Ottawa County Common Pleas Court jury on 55 counts of sexual battery and corruption of a minor.

Erin Baker, 26, of Catawba Island Township, was found not guilty on 38 counts of sexual battery and 17 counts of corruption of a minor. The jury deliberated yesterday for four hours before reaching its verdicts, Ms. Baker s attorney, Thomas J. DeBacco, said.

Ms. Baker had been an assistant coach for the schools girls basketball and softball teams. She last worked in those capacities in the 2006-07 school year.

Charges were filed against her after the student told a school guidance counselor about the alleged relationship.

The age and sex of the student were not disclosed. The relationship allegedly took place between October, 2005, and March, 2007.