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Ex-Prep Coach Gets House Arrest For Affair With Student

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By TOM BRENNAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 12, 2008

Updated: 11/12/2008 11:54 am

Related Links

• Special Report: Sex In Our Schools

  Ronald Lewis

TAMPA - Former Newsome High School girls soccer coach Ronald Eugene Lewis was placed on a year of house arrest and nine years of probation today after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with a 17-year-old student.

Circuit Judge J. Rogers Padgett imposed a sentence worked out in a plea agreement between prosecutors and Lewis and his attorney.

Lewis, 38, of Valrico, faced up to 15 years in prison.

State Attorney Rita Peters said the decision to approve a lesser penalty came with the approval of the victim and her family.

Peters said the victim didn't want to testify in a trial or pretrial preparations.

"She wanted to move forward with her life," Peters said. "And she started doing that."

Lewis was arrested in January on charges of having sexual encounters with the girl from February through November 2007.

Lewis resigned from his job after the arrest. He was age 36 and 37 at the time.

Lewis was flanked by his wife and parents as he entered his plea and was sentenced.

Through his attorney, Lewis apologized to them and to other soccer coaches and teachers for his "tremendous bad judgment."

The victim observed the proceeding from the back of the courtroom with her family.

Donald Smith, Lewis' attorney, said his client was sorry and recognized "the potential adverse effects" his actions had "to this young lady."

Smith, Lewis, the victim and her family had no comment.

Peters huddled with the victim and her family in the courthouse hall after the plea, parting with hugs.

Peters said the victim's friends became aware of the affair and confronted her and Lewis.

Lewis has to forfeit his teaching certificate and must observe a 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew. He must perform 200 hours of community service, at least five hours monthly. He must also undergo a treatment program.

He is the father of two sons, ages 17 and 9.

Reporter Tom Brennan can be reached at (813) 259-7698.

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