Coach Accused Of Fondling Student
Student's Mother Alerts Deputies After Finding Note
POSTED: Monday, March 8, 2010
UPDATED: 9:42 am EST March 9, 2010
CITRA, Fla. -- A North Marion Middle School basketball coach was arrested and accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 13-year-old student.
The teenager told Marion County deputies she was grabbed by Robert Bennett last Monday. The following day, the teenager claimed Bennett called her out of class and invited her into his office.
According to the arrest affidavit, the teenager said Bennett touched her above her clothing, and she touched him above and under his clothing.
Deputies were informed after the girl's mother found a note from her daughter to the coach.
Investigators said Bennett initially denied the sexual activity in his office, but when presented with the note, he said he and his girlfriend had some form of sex in his office.
Bennett has been charged with sexual battery by a person with custodial authority. His bond was set at $50,000.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 352-572-4663.
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