Published: November 16, 2009 10:45 pm         

Former WTH teacher has Dec. 9 court date

WEST TERRE HAUTE — A pretrial conference for a former West Terre Haute educator accused of attempting to seduce a student has been continued so that depositions can be taken.

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

Thornton’s trial date remains set for Dec. 9 in Vigo Superior Court 3, but a pretrial conference between the county prosecutor and Thornton’s attorney that had been set for Monday was delayed.

Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt said the depositions will be taken this week or next week, and it is likely the pretrial conference will be conducted by the end of the month.

Thornton is accused of exposing himself to a 17-year-old female student at West Vigo High School, and fondling and rubbing up against her on separate occasions. He also allegedly asked her not to tell anyone about the instances.

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.