On Oct. 17, a former U.S. collegiate cross-country coach was sentenced to at least one yr in jail by a superior courtroom choose in Huntington, Ind., following his conviction for sexual battery.
Nicholas Johnson served because the coach of the Huntington College cross-country program for 3 seasons earlier than being fired in 2020. A 2022 IndyStar investigation uncovered a cult-like ambiance surrounding Johnson, with a number of former student-athletes alleging emotional and bodily abuse. The athletes described troubling behaviours by Johnson, together with stress to have interaction in doping and inappropriate sexual conduct.
Johnson confronted a cost of sexual battery, a Stage 6 felony in Indiana, which carries a minimal penalty of six months and a most of two.5 years in jail. He was sentenced to at least one yr in jail, adopted by a yr of supervised probation, and was ordered to register as a intercourse offender for 10 years.
One former Huntington College athlete testified that Johnson sexually assaulted her throughout a therapeutic massage, which later led to a consensual relationship. Based on a report from IndyStar, the sufferer described the expertise as “an insupportable state of affairs” that left her feeling like “she by no means had a selection.” She mentioned Johnson’s texts have been relentless and that, even 4 years later, she nonetheless struggles with anxiousness.
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Huntington College terminated Johnson quickly after the costs have been filed. His spouse, Lauren Johnson, was subsequently promoted to move coach of the college’s operating applications, however was additionally dismissed in 2022 after the investigation revealed allegations of a doping program and additional accusations of sexual battery and rape towards her husband.
The sentencing coincides with the NAIA’s determination to droop Huntington College’s cross-country applications from competitors this yr and place the whole athletics program on probation. Whereas NAIA officers didn’t specify the explanations for the sanctions, Huntington College confirmed the sanctions have been associated to Johnson’s tenure on the college.