Accused Coach Wants to Attend His Own Kids’ Games

A former youth sports coach in Ohio who was accused of assaulting children has asked a judge to amend the conditions of his bond so that he can attend his own childrens’ sporting events.

Eric Schmidt, 42, is not supposed to be around minors other than his own children. Last October Schmidt was indicted on five charges, including rape, two counts of gross sexual imposition and two counts of public indecency. Prosecutors said he raped a 12-year-old girl in 2019 and molested a girl of the same age in 2015. 

"I think just a blanket that he can't go to any of his kids' sports games in the spring when they're all in public, outside, when he can stay at a distance away with his wife, I really don't think that that's a burden," defense attorney Bill Gallagher told the local NBC affiliate.

"The most recent allegation came about as a result of the defendant's connections with youth sporting leagues," said assistant Warren County prosecutor Kevin Hardman. 

Prosecutors said that crime took place at a youth football-related party.

The alleged victim’s parents were at Schmidt’s hearing, arguing that he should not be allowed near any youth sports.

"It will re-victimize my daughter as she attends these sporting events to watch her brother," said one mother. "My son is a witness in this case also, and seeing Mr. Schmidt at these sporting events would upset him and intimidate him as Mr. Schmidt used to be one of my son's coaches."

Presiding judge Robert Peeler denied Schmidt’s request to attend his son’s youth games but said he could have permission to travel out of state to watch his oldest daughter play games at the college level.

A trial has been set for June 14.