Former Clear Creek Amana coach pleads guilty to charges he had inappropriate sexual relationship with high school student

Lang
11/22/23

A former Clear Creek Amana coach has pleaded guilty to charges that he had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student over 15 years ago.

The victim made a report to law enforcement in March of 2022. She stated that when she was in high school in 2006 and 2007, her softball coach and teacher, 59-year-old James Anthony White of Cook Circle in North Liberty, began grooming her, and a sexual relationship occurred on two separate occasions. She estimated the first incident occurred while she was a freshman.

As the victim was a student and athlete of White at the time, she was unable to provide consent to the then 43-year-old man.

White was charged with two counts each of 3rd Degree Sexual Abuse and Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee and one count of Enticing a Minor Under the Age of 16. If convicted on all charges, he would have faced up to 35 years in prison. The plea deal calls for White to receive suspended consecutive ten and five-year sentences. He will also be placed on the Iowa Sex Offender Registry for life.

Sentencing is set for January 22nd.