Coaching students is a gratifying, lively, and coveted career experience with numerous perks and benefits. Despite its appeal, the job also comes with a higher degree of responsibility, mainly due to the coach's proximity to minors. While most trainers are trustworthy professionals, some, like Thurston High School basketball coach Lisa DeFluri, allegedly cross the line and commit grievous offenses.

Court documents show that on ten separate occasions between July and December 2020, DeFluri sexually assaulted a minor while coaching her. Authorities learned of the issue after a school district employee reported a potentially inappropriate relationship between DeFluri and the student. DeFluri is now on paid administrative leave, and the case is under investigation.

Whether it's scrutiny by school administrations, parents, and even the media, school coaches face immense pressure to maintain a professional relationship with students. While student safety comes first, baseless or false allegations of sexual misconduct against coaches ruin lives and cause irreparable damage.

If you are a coach facing sexual misconduct allegations, you can take steps to clear your name from injurious charges. With an aggressive defense strategy and the guidance of Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento, you send a message that you'll do what it takes to fight back against false claims.

Consequences of Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The courts – and the public – do not sympathize with coaches that allegedly partake in sexual misconduct. It doesn't help that there are numerous high-profile cases of coaches abusing their students around the country. Even before the investigation concludes, a trainer may experience shunning by peers, immediate placement on administrative leave, and harsh judgment by friends and family members.

If the court finds that a coach is guilty, they face severe long and short-term consequences that include:

• Imprisonment
• Placement on sex offender registries
• Confiscation of electronic devices
• Inability to work with minors
• Permanent damage to reputation
• Limited career and housing opportunities

An alleged victim's voice would hold more weight than a defendant during initial proceedings by the school, even if the claims are baseless. It is not uncommon to hear stories where the student made the allegations up because of a bad grade or even a personal vendetta.

Defending Against Allegations

Sexual misconduct allegations against coaches are challenging to navigate alone, especially when you have so much at stake. Without the help of a legal professional, you lower your chances of a favorable case outcome.

School staff working with minors are vulnerable to mishaps or even innocent actions that others misconstrue as inappropriate. The problem is that even when they have done nothing to warrant a sexual misconduct claim, they are already under suspicion and their personal and professional life suffers.

Contact the Lento Law Firm

You work hard to establish trust with your students and support their goals with care and professionalism. Don't let false sexual misconduct charges or misconstrued actions ruin your social standing, career, and relationships.

Attorney-Advisor Joseph D. Lento helps coaches across the nation facing sexual misconduct allegations receive fair treatment regardless of the charges and supports their right to seek justice. Call the Lento Law Firm to discuss your defense strategy today at 888-535-3686.