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Teen Sex Gets Coach House Arrest

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By TOM BRENNAN

tbrennan@tampatrib.com

Published: November 13, 2008

  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 Wednesday 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 did not 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.

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.

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

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