A former DeKalb, Illinois swim coach pleaded not guilty today to charges of sexual assault and sexual abuse stemming from allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an underage swimmer.
Leah Eames appeared in court today, according to DeKalb’s Daily Chronicle, pleading not guilty to both charges.
Eames was arrested on the charges last August. According to the Daily Chronicle, a police officer discovered her and a female student working out together after hours at the Barb City YMCA and thought the two were acting suspicious. Security camera footage showed the two holding hands.
An investigation allegedly revealed that the two had an ongoing sexual relationship, and Eames was arrested shortly after.
In October, the Daily Chronicle reported that Eames was denying the allegations, and her not guilty plea this week stayed consistent with that response.
The alleged relationship took place between May 1 and August 28 of last year, according to the Chronicle. Eames will next appear in court on June 2nd. The Chronicle has reported that her sentence could be up to 15 years in prison, or as light as probation.
Eames was a math teacher at Sycamore high school and a swim coach for the co-op between Sycamore and DeKalb. She has resigned from both positions.
Whilst I have always supported the law of the land on these type of issues, I feel very uncomfortable with this story. The policeman was looking through the window at night, at two girls working out. He investigates by trawling through CCTV footage. I’ll bet that he was disappointed to discover that they were only holding hands. Surely he has more important things to do.