Visiting judge Donald G. Luce, who heard the case in Kettering Municipal Court, suspended jail time, but ordered Trent, 80, to receive follow-up medical treatment, initiate no contact with the victim or her family for two years and pay a $150 fine, plus court costs. He also was placed on unsupervised probation for two years.
At the time of the incident, Trent was vice president of the Kettering Board of Education and had previously worked as a teacher, principal and superintendent in Kettering Schools. The James Trent Arena at Fairmont High School is named for him.
Trent originally pleaded not guilty to the two misdemeanors, after admitting his inappropriate actions and apologizing for his behavior when interviewed by Kettering Police on Sept. 16.
According to the police report, Trent had demanded a hug and kiss from the woman at about 9 a.m. on Sept. 13. She responded “with a polite hug and kiss on the cheek, but Trent tried to keep her in an embrace and kiss her more aggressively. Trent also grabbed and squeezed the female’s buttocks.”
She demanded that he leave, contacted family members about Trent’s behavior and contacted the police.
Trent resigned from the school board Sept. 24. Jennifer Kane has been appointed to fill his seat, which runs though 2015.
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