NEW MARKET — A Southmont High School swim and dive coach has been charged after an athlete accused him of inappropriate touching.
Jordan P. Hatch, 62, Crawfordsville, faces a misdemeanor battery charge following the alleged incident in December.
During a team practice, a 14-year-old diver said Hatch grabbed her and pressed her buttocks against his groin for a short time, according to charging documents filed in Montgomery Superior Court 2.
Hatch also allegedly made inappropriate comments to a 16-year-old diver about her breasts at a November swimming and diving meet, court documents show.
A school resource officer notified administrators of the allegations Dec. 12, and Hatch was placed on administrative leave. The alleged incidents were reported to the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Authorities obtained written statements from the athletes, other swimming coaches and a witness to the alleged conduct.
Hatch turned himself in to the Montgomery County Jail Wednesday and was released on a $1,000 cash bail. Court documents don’t list an attorney for him. A no contact order was issued in the case.
“With the filing of charges, we have begun to review the facts known to us and continue to take all action necessary to protect our students while these court proceedings run their course,” Southmont Schools Superintendent Dr. Shawn Greiner said in a written statement.
The school board is expected to vote on a recommendation to terminate Hatch’s employment as high school assistant swim coach and junior high head swim coach, according to the agenda for Monday’s regular meeting.
