Published: October 07, 2009 09:49 pm         

Former Valley educator’s trial continued to December

TERRE HAUTE — A jury trial for a former West Terre Haute educator accused of attempting to seduce a student has been continued to December.

Former teacher and coach Thomas P. Thornton has been accused of child seduction and attempted child seduction, both class-D felonies, as well as public indecency, a class-A misdemeanor.

His new trial date is Dec. 9 in Vigo Superior Court Division 3.

Thornton is accused of exposing himself to a 17-year-old female student at West Vigo High School, as well as fondling her and making other physical contact on separate occasions. He also allegedly asked the victim to promise not to tell anyone about the instances and other graphic discussions. A class-D felony is punishable by up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine, while a class-A misdemeanor has a possible jail term of up to one year and a $5,000 fine.