Trial Date Unscheduled for Former Swim Coach Accused of Sexual Conduct with Minors

A new trial date has yet to be set for former Hoover High School swim coach, 40-year-old Matthew Johnsen.

Prosecutors and Defense Attorneys met with Stark County Common Pleas Court Judge Chryssa Hartnett on Friday afternoon in a private session where they reportedly discussed new evidence in the case and other matters related to it.

Johnsen was originally set to go to trial last month on two felony charges of sexual battery charges stemming from incidents involving two swim team members more than a decade ago.

He is accused of participating in sexual conduct with a then, 17-year-old swimmer from June 2006 to May 2007 at Hoover High School and Dogwood Pool in North Canton. Prosecutors note the student was reportedly 16-years-old when the conduct began and add that while 16 is the age of sexual assault in Ohio, sexual conduct between a coach and an athlete is a felony crime.

Johnsen has pleaded not guilty to the third-degree felonies. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison on each count.

A pretrial has been set for today at 2:30 p.m.

Michaela Madison Reporting

 

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