« Oprah show helps FBI nab child molestation suspect | Main | John Daniel Ahern - Convicted Pedophile - Child Molestion - Wanted »
October 08, 2005
Former Connecticut Softball Coach Sentenced In Molestation Case
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. -- A former Shelton girl's softball coach convicted of molesting three girls has been sentenced to and released from prison at the same time.
Robert Ellis was sentenced Thursday to 33 months in prison, but because he has served 34 months since his original arrest, he was allowed to walk free from the courtroom.
"For the court system, it's the end of a four-year ordeal, but for the young women who courageously came forward it is the end of a 10-year ordeal," Assistant State's Attorney Charles Stango said.
The sentencing was the second in the case for Ellis. He was convicted by a jury in February 2002 and sentenced to 18 years, but the state Supreme Court overturned the verdicts and ordered a new trial.
Ellis, 55, in his latest return to court, pleaded guilty to three counts of risk of injury to a minor and three counts of fourth-degree sexual assault.
Superior Court Judge Susan Reynolds sentenced him to 15 years, suspended after 33 months, and 10 years of probation. As a condition of probation, he must register as a sex offender and can no longer be involved in youth sports.
Stango told the judge that after conferring with the victims he agreed to the plea bargain to spare the young women the strain of again having to go through a trial.
Ellis, coach of the Connecticut Express girls softball team, was accused of molesting three girls from 1995 to 1999.
Posted by Nealus at October 8, 2005 01:11 AM
