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Spoto coach's arrest spurs review

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 1, 2009

TAMPA - Spoto High School baseball coach Larry Benton must meet with professional standards staff after his arrest on a misdemeanor charge of soliciting someone to commit prostitution.

Hillsborough County school district spokeswoman Linda Cobbe said Tuesday that no action has been taken because it is summer.

"We are still in the process of trying to get him a letter telling him he needs to meet with professional standards and discuss the situation," Cobbe said.

Benton, 50, was arrested Saturday at 6500 N. Nebraska Ave. He was released from jail that morning after posting $250 bail.

Benton has been Spoto's baseball coach since the program started in 2007. A 1977 King High School graduate, Benton has had coaching stints at Tampa Bay Technical and Leto high schools.

During the 2009 season, Benton was suspended from coaching duties while school administrators investigated three undisclosed incidents. Spoto Principal Clyde Trathowen reinstated Benton within a week after the investigation revealed no wrongdoing on his part.

Benton missed one game with the Spartans, who finished 13-11 for their first winning season.

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