DaytonDailyNews.com

TROY — A former Miami East schools teacher and coach pleaded not guilty Friday, Aug. 22, to a felony charge accusing him of contacting a 15-year-old girl regarding sexual activity.

Chad Widener, 37, of rural Casstown, was indicted last week on a fifth-degree felony importuning charge by a Miami County Grand Jury. If convicted, he could face up to one year in prison.

Widener resigned last week from his job as a teacher at Miami East Junior High School and the varsity girls basketball coach in a district where he'd attended school and worked since 1995.

The indictment accuses Widener of taking steps on Dec. 6 to "solicit another .... to engage in sexual conduct" with him with the person allegedly solicited being a minor older than 13 but younger than 16, according to the indictment.

The girl's parents contacted the sheriff's office in February about a text message received by their daughter and discovered through a computer spyware program they installed. Deputies said Widener was identified, using phone records, as the person who allegedly sent the message.

The girl was a Miami East student, but not on a team Widener coached.

Special Prosecutor Ralph Bauer of Shelby County and Judge James Stevenson, also of Shelby County, handled Friday's brief court hearing for Widener. Both were appointed at the request of Miami County prosecutors and judges to avoid any appearance of impropriety because of their relationship with Widener's father, Ron, who is a Miami County commissioner.

Defense lawyer Jose Lopez said last week Chad Widener was looking forward to the "opportunity to defend the charge."

Chad Widener was released on his own recognizance with the condition he has no contact with the alleged victim. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for Sept. 2.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2292 or nbowman@DaytonDailyNews.com.