Ex-Stritch coach pleads not guilty to forgery

10/23/2008

Andre Hampton, the former head football coach at Cardinal Stritch High School, appeared yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court to face charges that he stole funds from the Catholic school.

Mr. Hampton, 28, of 3521 146th St., pleaded not guilty to two counts each of forgery and tampering with records, one count of falsification in a theft offense, and three counts of forgery. If convicted, he faces up to 17 years in prison.

He remains free on a surety bond set Oct. 15 by Judge Linda Jennings. His trial is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Mr. Hampton was fired from the coaching position Aug. 12 after bank representatives contacted the school.

According to a police report filed by the Rev. David Reinhart, the school s president, Mr. Hampton opened a bank account in the school s name without permission and transferred school money into the account for personal use.

Court records show that two liens had been placed against Mr. Hampton s home totaling more than $8,100 by credit unions in 2007.