case gets postponed

By BETH LAKEY

Staff Writer

Feb. 14, 2000 10 PM

The case of a coach accused to bruising a child during a paddling has been continued for the second time.

Originally scheduled for Jan. 26, the case against Charles Henderson Middle School Coach Forrest Lee was continued until Feb. 16 and has again been continued. A new court date has not been set.

Lee has been accused of bruising a 12-year-old boy during punishment on Nov. 12 of last year.

The coach, who has pleaded innocent, was accused of leaving the boy with bruises to the buttocks and a sprained back. He was charged with third-degree assault after the incident.

The child’s parents, Barry and Dorothy Barron, claim the punishment was severe and caused bruises and other injuries to their son’s back and buttocks.

They have filed charges against Lee in the case.

Troy City School Superintendent Hank Jones said corporal punishment is allowed under state law and school policy. No disciplinary action has been taken toward Lee by school officials, Jones said.

Jones said he is reluctant to punish faculty members when their actions fall within policy guidelines.

Lee serves as athletic director at Charles Henderson Middle School and is a Goshen native.

According to sources connected with the case, Lee and his attorney, Allen Jones, have filed a motion for dismissal.

The ruling has not yet been announced.

The case will be heard in Troy Municipal Court.