A former Ohio State University diving coach pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of sexual battery involving an underage diver.
According to prosecutors, William Bohonyi started pressuring diver Estee Pryor for sex when she was 16 years old.
"The essence of the conduct was using his position as a coach to engage in sexual activity with a minor student that he had control over,” says Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O’Brien.
Pryor is among a group of divers suing USA Diving, alleging it didn't do enough to stop Bohonyi's actions. A federal lawsuit filed in July 2018 accused him of coercing and forcing divers into frequent sex, in exchange for continued involvement in the sport. USA Diving says it didn't knowingly participate in the misconduct.
O’Brien says his office and the victim are satisfied with the outcome.
Defense attorney Brad Koffel has said Bohonyi had a consensual relationship and the case wasn't as bad as it's been portrayed. A message seeking comment was left with Koffel Thursday.
Ohio State said it learned of sexual misconduct allegations against Bohonyi on Aug. 10, 2014 and placed him on administrative leave. After an investigation, Bohonyi was fired on Aug. 29, 2014.
USA Diving placed Bohonyi on their list of banned coaches in 2015.
Bohonyi is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12. O’Brien says he will ask for Bohonyi to be sent to prison.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
