Pocono News Section

Former Soccer Coach Admits to Sex with Player

Former Soccer Coach Admits to Sex with Player - Wednesday, March 31, 2010 at 04:05AM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Wednesday March 31 2010
MONTROSE, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY -- A former Susquehanna County soccer coach admitted to having sex with one of his players. Koch is the former Blue Ridge High School girl's soccer coach.

Last year he was arrested on charges of having sex with a 16-year-old player and sending her hundreds of inappropriate text messages.

Koch said nothing as walked into the federal courthouse in Binghamton Wednesday afternoon. Minutes later the 49-year-old pleaded guilty to one charge of enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

The sexual abuse started in September 2008 and continued until June 2009. Prosecutor Miro Louric would not talk about the case on camera, but says the sex took place in Koch's car and his home in Brackney, Susquehanna County.

Investigators say Koch sent sexually explicit pictures of himself to the girl and even bought her phones so they could communicate.

Gerald Koch will be sentenced on July 28th. At that time, he faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison, but he could spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Koch's ex-wife was one of several people in the courtroom for Wednesday's plea. She wouldn't talk on camera, but says his actions caused the end of their marriage.

Koch's attorney Thomas Seda also would not comment on the case as he left the courthouse. Seda says his client made the guilty plea knowing full well he'll be spending time in prison.