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Thursday, June 23, 2005

Judge: Coach Accused of Rape Can Live with His Children, But Can't Go Near School


Associated Press
      LAS CRUCES — A Hatch Valley High School assistant football coach accused of rape can't go near a school but should be allowed to live with his children, a judge said.
    District Judge Silvia E. Cano-Garcia issued that order at a hearing Wednesday for Shawn Bohannon, 35, who is facing rape, molestation and child abuse charges stemming from allegations of inappropriate relationships with three female students. He is out of jail on $150,000 bond.
    Included in earlier conditions of release were agreements that he not have contact with children under age 18 and that he stay away from schools and school functions.
    Prosecutor Amy Orlando argued that Bohannon has attended at least one school function and been dropping off and picking up his two children at school. She asked Cano-Garcia to order Bohannon to stay away from schools and his children.
    Bohannon's attorney, Gary C. Mitchell, argued that Bohannon should be able to continue to live at his home with his wife and children, who are under 18, as long as he is never alone with the children. The judge agreed.
    A trial date has not been set.