DaytonDailyNews.com

TROY — A former Miami East schools teacher and coach accused of contacting a 15-year-old girl regarding sexual activity will go on trial Dec. 11-12 in Miami County Common Pleas Court.

Chad Widener, 37, of rural Casstown, was indicted last month by a county grand jury on a felony count of importuning.

He pleaded not guilty at arraignment Aug. 22 and is free on his own recognizance with the condition he has no contact with the alleged victim.

The trial date was set Tuesday, Sept. 2, at a pretrial conference with defense lawyer Jose Lopez, special prosecutor Ralph Bauer and visiting Judge James Stevenson.

Bauer, Shelby County prosecutor, and Stevenson, Shelby County Common Pleas Court judge, were appointed to handle the case to avoid any appearance of a conflict by Miami County prosecutors and judges. Widener's father, Ron, is a Miami County commissioner.

The indictment accused Chad 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.

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

He resigned in August from his job as a Miami East Junior high School teacher and varsity girl's basketball coach.

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