Published: November 23, 2009 09:36 pm         

Trial date set for for former WTH educator

TERRE HAUTE — A Dec. 9 trial date has been confirmed for a former West Terre Haute educator accused of attempting to seduce a student.

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. During Monday’s pre-trial conference, Judge David Bolk heard defense attorney William Smock agree that he expects a three-day trial.

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.