No charges to be filed against Hobart coach over incident with student
Post-Tribune staff report December 14, 2012 5:42PM
Ellis, Mike HB 2004 Hobart Football
Updated: January 16, 2013 6:08AM
HOBART — After meeting with Hobart police Detective Nick Wardrip Friday morning, Lake County prosecutors decided no charges will be filed against Hobart Middle School wrestling coach Michael Ellis.
Lake County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Barbara McConnell said the investigation didn’t contain sufficient evidence.
A member of the wrestling team sought medical attention for injuries he says he received during practice Dec. 1. The wrestler said his injuries were caused by Ellis.
But McConnell said police found no signs the coach intended to cause the teen any harm.
Ellis is a physical education and health teacher at Hobart Middle School.
When officials became aware of the allegations, School City of Hobart Superintendent Peggy Buffington limited Ellis’ duties, prohibiting him from having contact with students pending the outcome of the investigation.
Buffington did not respond to an e-mail sent by the Post-Tribune on Friday seeking comment on Ellis’ status.
