Former Deer Park High School coach admits sexual relationship with student, court docs show

A former Deer Park High School assistant softball coach has admitted in court to having a sexual relationship with a student, court records show.

Andrew Geesner, 36, of Sycamore Township, was indicted in January on five counts of sexual battery, though he pleaded guilty on March 21 to a lesser felony count of gross sexual imposition, according to documents filed in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court.

Geesner was arrested in late January following accusations that he had an "inappropriate relationship" with a student, according to the Deer Park Community City School District.

Court documents state the incidents involving Geesner and the student occurred in June and December of last year. He's facing a possible sentence of six to 18 months behind bars and a maximum $5,000 fine, court records show.

As part of his plea, prosecutors agreed to dismiss the other four counts of sexual battery.

Brian T. Goldberg, of Schuh & Goldberg, Geesner's lawyer, said the victim was "certainly over the age of consent" when the relationship began. However, under state law, it's illegal for coaches, teachers or school administrators to engage in sexual conduct with students.

The incidents happened after the softball season was over and at that time Geesner wasn't under contract with the school district, Goldberg said, adding that Geesner has owned up to the crime and has his family's support.

Geesner is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing April 26.