COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—A former high school basketball coach was acquitted of sexually assaulting players by hitting them in the groin with basketballs, a clipboard and other objects.
Gregory Lynn Burr, 29, was convicted of a single misdemeanor assault charge of assault late Thursday after a jury deliberated nearly two days. Burr, who coached at Monument Academy, a charter school in the Lewis-Palmer district, had faced 39 charges including: sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, a pattern of abuse, promoting obscenity to minors, harassment and crimes of violence.
He faces up to 18 months in jail at sentencing scheduled for Nov. 30.
Burr’s attorney, Philip Dubois, criticized prosecutors for having “grossly overcharged” the case and the “abominable investigation” by the El Paso County sheriff’s office.
Jurors “did the right thing,” Dubois said.
Deputy 4th Judicial District Attorney Nan Scranton defended their handling of the case.
“The District Attorney’s Office will always protect the children of this community,” Scranton said.
Several players testified during the three-week trial that Burr hit them in the groin, with one player telling jurors he had to have scrotal surgery.
Burr testified that he hit the boys in the groin several times, but said it was accidental and he never intended to hurt the boys.
Burr, who remained free on $10,000 bail, declined to comment outside court.
Monument Academy officials have said he no longer works at the school.
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Information from: The Gazette,
