A Franklin County grand jury has indicted a former Ohio State University Diving Club coach on four felony counts after he allegedly coerced a minor into sexual acts.
The indictment comes more than four years after William Bohonyi was suspended and eventually fired by Ohio State. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien says the charges include three counts of sexual battery, and one count of sexual pandering tied to a video made of the then-16-year-old girl.
“The charges are second and third degree felonies that carry maximum penalties of up to eight years on the second degree felony, which is the videotaping, and up to five years on the sexual battery counts," O'Brien says.
In an emailed statement, a university spokesman emphasizes how quickly the school responded.
“Ohio State learned of the allegations on Aug. 10, 2014,” the statement reads, “placed Bohonyi on administrative leave that same day, restricted his access to university facilities, and immediately opened an investigation that resulted in his termination on Aug. 29, 2014.”
University police investigated the allegations at the time, but suspended their work at the girl’s request. She asked they resume the investigation early this year.
“Which OSU did earlier this year, and brought to us I would say this summer," O’Brien explains. "We had them do some additional work and we subpoenaed some material and the victim and her family helped provide some additional information.”
Prosecutors will arraign Bohonyi next week.
