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Woodlands Softball Coach Found Dead: Accused Of Student Sexual Relationship

By Antonio J. Newell
Published on: 04:20 PST, Apr 15, 2016

Woodlands High School softball coach Richard Harvey Jorgensen was found dead after being accused of a sexual relationship with one of the school’s students. Reports indicate that there was a warrant out for the softball coach’s arrest.

On April 14, deputy authorities with the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office put out a public notice that stated they were looking for Woodlands High School softball coach Richard Jorgensen on charges that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor — one of the female players from his team, as reports KHOU-11 News. Specifically, the warrant read “sexual assault of a child.”

Just a day later, the Woodlands softball coach was found dead in Port Arthur, Texas, although he lived in the Woodlands. The Houston Chronicle and KHOU-11 News both mention that the coach appeared to have suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

No details have been released regarding the location of the fatal wound. According to the Woodlands Villager, Precinct 3 Constable Chief Deputy Matt Rodriguez mentioned that the department was unable to release case details at the time of the inquisition.

Likewise, the source stated, “Officials with the Montgomery County District Clerk and District Attorney’s offices were not immediately available.”

Before the Woodlands softball coach’s death, the school district had been notified of his warrant and charges earlier in the day. That’s when the Conroe school district placed softball coach Jorgensen on administrative leave, says the Woodlands Villager. Also, a separate administrative investigation was pending.

The source notes that the Woodlands High School softball coach had been a notable figure in the school’s sports department. The source stated as follows.

“Jorgensen has been the head softball coach at The Woodlands since 2005 and has led the Lady Highlanders to the playoffs in each of his 11 seasons at the helm. That includes a 2011 season in which his team won the UIL Class 5A state title and was named as the national champion by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, MaxPreps and ESPN Rise.”

The source notes that Woodlands High School Athletic Director Mark Schmid postponed Friday’s game between the Lady Highlanders and Oak Ridge High School given recent events.

This Woodlands softball coach’s case appears to come as the second reported in Texas school districts within the last few days. On April 11, the Houston Chronicle reported that another high school softball coach had been having an inappropriate relationship with one of the students as well — this time, a female coach.

The source cites 24-year-old Lyndsy Maus as the suspect in the crime, the charge being “improper relationship with a student.” She was a softball coach within the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District. Her particular case came to light after a student posted that she knew of a teacher who was “dating a student.” Authorities investigated the student’s claim and took action thereafter. Local law authorities removed the softball coach from class upon allegation investigation.

She was a physical education teacher at Cy-Springs High School, says the source. The relationship was with a female junior in 2015. The source notes that the softball coach/teacher had begun texting with the student, as they were in a “romantic relationship.” However, the student transferred to another school. According to the student, her relationship with the teacher/softball coach became serious after that. Their texting continued, and a sexual relationship ensued between the two from that point further.

After softball coach Maus’ arrest, the source noted as follows.

“Court records show Maus is free on [$10,000] bond. Her next court appearance is set for May 17 in the 338th State District Court.”

What are your thoughts about the two softball coach situations? Feel free to share your feelings in the comments below.

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