A former Massachusetts swim coach accused of giving painkillers and other prescription drugs to a swimmer has asked a judge to dismiss evidence against her that was allegedly obtained without a warrant.
The case involves 28-year-old Elizabeth Backler, who was a former high school and YMCA swim coach in Massachusetts. We reported on Backler’s arrest last fall – she allegedly gave prescription drugs to a 16-year-old female member of her high school swim team. The medications allegedly included oxycodone and diazepam. The former is a powerful painkiller, while the latter (also known as Valium) is used to treat anxiety and insomnia, among other things.
Backler allegedly gave the prescription drugs to the swimmer for use in treating a shoulder injury, and allegedly told the girl not to tell her mother that she was given the pills.
Now The Boston Herald reports that Backler’s lawyer has asked the judge in the case to dismiss evidence, claiming that police acquired Backler’s list of prescription drugs from the pharmacy without a warrant.
The Boston Herald also reports that Backler allegedly “texted [the girl], sent her cards and gifts, took her to dinner and invited her to her apartment,” while also noting that there are not any allegations of sexual misconduct in the case.
Backler has since been added to USA Swimming’s list of individuals temporarily suspended, and will remain under suspension through November of 2022.