Northern Kentucky coach charged with sexually abusing six boys

   

(AP)A northern Kentucky youth sports coach has been charged with sexually abusing six boys, including slipping a sleeping pill to one before molesting him, according to an indictment released Tuesday.

A grand jury in Boone County handed up 14 charges against 46-year-old Michael Schweitzer of Hebron.

Police say Schweitzer slipped a sleeping pill to one 13-year-old boy staying with him, then molested the youth while he slept. Five more boys have since contacted authorities with similar allegations.

Schweitzer is charged with three counts of sodomy in the first degree, three counts of unlawful transaction with a minor in the first degree, and eight counts of sexual abuse in the first degree. Prosecutors say the abuse happened from 2011 through 2013.

“I want to assure the parents of the children who’ve come forward — this case is a top priority for me and my office,” Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway said in announcing the indictment.

He called on parents who may have had contact with Schweitzer to talk to their children and contact the Boone County Sheriff’s Office if there are any indications of abuse.

Schweitzer was a volunteer coach for various Boone County area youth baseball, basketball, football and wrestling teams for about 20 years, said spokeswoman Allison Martin of the attorney general’s office. Messages left with several county leagues were not immediately returned Tuesday.

Schweitzer has been in custody since June 26 on charges of sodomy with an incapable person or someone unable to give consent, unlawful transactions with a minor and illegal possession of a controlled substance.

Schweitzer had no listed attorney in Boone County court records.

Schweitzer, who is currently in the Boone County Jail, will be arraigned on Aug. 21. His bond is set at $500,000 full cash.