XENIA — A former area high school basketball coach and Xenia resident pleaded guilty to sexual battery Wednesday in relation to an “inappropriate relationship” she had with a player.
Chelcie Gullett, 25 – formerly an assistant junior varsity coach with Bethel schools in Miami County – faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000, none of which is mandatory. Gullett was charged with third-degree felony sexual battery in July.
According to a release from the Xenia Police Divison, after an investigation, police determined that sexual acts between Gullett and the player occurred in Xenia, where Gullett lives. Police were notified back in May after the victim’s parents reported an incident to the school.
Bethel Local Schools Superintendent Virginia Potter said that Gullett is no longer an employee of the district and was not employed by the district when the relationship occurred. Gullett was hired for a limited coaching position in December last year.
According to the release, the victim in the case was of the agent of consent, but was under the age of 18.
“The suspect in the case has been cooperative throughout the investigation and has admitted to the incidents in question,” the release from Xenia police stated.
Gullett will be forced to register as a tier III sex offender for life. She will be sentenced in Greene County Common Pleas Court under the supervision of Judge Michael Buckwalter Nov. 5.
This story contains contributions from Cecilia Fox. She can be reached at [email protected].
