Additional charges were filed Friday against a 24-year-old youth coach accused of trying to arrange sexual liaisons with 13- and 14-year-old girls via e-mail.
Benjamin Thomas Schuler, jailed on $25,000 cash bail, is charged with lewdness with a child under 14, luring a child with the intent to engage in sexual conduct and luring a child.
According to the criminal complaint, Schuler, employed as a school district basketball coach, is accused of inappropriately touching a 13-year-old girl through her clothing on Jan. 22; sending an e-mail to the same girl on Feb. 24 trying to entice her to come to his home to engage in sexual conduct; and asking a 14-year-old between Jan. 17-Feb. 5 to sneak out of her home and "hang out" with him.
If convicted of the most serious offense, the penalty is up to life in prison.
East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl refused Friday to release Schuler on his own recognizance as requested by lawyer Ron Cauley.
"We'd like the defendant released on his own recognizance," Cauley said. "He's lived his entire life here and has substantial ties to the community. His whole family is here to support him. He is married, lives in town, and has no criminal record."
Cauley said he's been retained by the defendant originally charged with a gross misdemeanor, but the severity of the amended complaint would require more resources in Schuler's defense.
Prosecutor Laurie Trotter argued against a lower bail or own-recognizance release.
"The state has filed additional charges which are very serious. This is a category A felony. The state is concerned not only about the severity of the charges, but that he might have contact with the victims," Trotter said.
EnEarl said Cauley could bring up the bail question at his next court appearance Wednesday.
If Schuler bails out of Douglas County Jail, he will be subject to stringent restrictions and supervision. He would be forbidden to contact the alleged victims, leave his residence and be subject to search and seizure. He would be outfitted with an ankle monitor under the supervision of the Department of Alternative Sentencing.
Douglas County Sheriff's Capt. Dan Britton said the suspect was arrested Thursday after the allegations came to light.
Britton said the e-mail messages were sexual in nature and were discovered by a family member who contacted the sheriff's office.
Britton urged any parents with information about the suspect to contact Deputy James Booth at 782-6299 and leave a message if he is unavailable.
