Former Kiel coach accused of soliciting student freed on bail

KIEL — A former Kiel High School wrestling coach has been released on bail after being arrested on suspicion of sending explicit photos to a student and soliciting sexual favors from her.

Kiel Police Chief Dave Funkhouser and Kiel Area School District Administrator Louise Blankenheim told reporters Thursday that authorities were alerted Wednesday after a student remarked that he was uncomfortable with the coach because he had been texting girls.

Blankenheim says the 30-year-old no longer works for the district. He was a seasonal part-time employee and not a teacher. The administrator says background checks found no problems.

Jail officials say he was released on $1,000 bail after a court appearance Thursday. Prosecutors plan to file a formal criminal complaint by Dec. 21 when the man is due back in court.

Kiel High School