***  MEDIA ADVISORY*** September 17, 2007                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMedia Contact:  Curtis T. Hill, Jr., 296-1888 PROSECUTOR DECLINES TO FILE CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER COACH             Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney, Curtis T. Hill, Jr., announced today that his office has completed its review of a criminal investigation initiated by the High Tech Crimes Unit of the St. Joseph County Prosecutors Office, involving Megan Woods, age 31, of Elkhart, Indiana.  According to the police report, Woods is employed as a teacher at West Side Middle School and also coaches girls’ soccer for Elkhart Memorial High School.             The police investigation was initiated in St. Joseph County based upon information that was received there.  According to the police report, Woods came under suspicion based upon reports that her relationship with one of her players. A 16 year-old, appeared to be unusually close and more of a peer relationship rather than that of coach and student.  The investigation reviewed allegations that Woods apparently provided a great deal of attention to a particular child through extensive contact outside of the school environment, both in person and via electronic communication, as well as through a number of gifts.  The investigation also reviewed allegations that Woods would touch the child in inappropriate situations and in a manner that was described as “uncomfortable”.             “The witnesses interviewed did not observe nor did the particular child in question disclose any direct sexual contact or conduct on the part of Woods.  Although some of Woods’ conduct with this child was of a highly questionable nature, we are unable to determine that the questionable conduct was joined by a sexual intent on the part of Woods which would be required for her conduct to be criminal.”, said Hill.  “A teacher or coach maintaining a “pals” relationship with a child under his or her responsibility, buying the child gifts, taking the child out to movies and tickling and touching the child in ways in which the child or others might feel “uncomfortable” certainly challenges the ordinary boundaries expected between teacher and student or coach and student athlete.  It is not uncommon for sexual predators to “groom” their potential victims using methods similar to those attributed to Woods in this investigation.  While my office is not stating that Woods was grooming this child for illicit purposes, Woods’ alleged actions were enough to prompt complaints to the police and warrant an investigation.” said Hill.             During his investigation, Commander Mitch Kajzer of the High Tech Crimes Unit was directed to another individual who had been a former player under Coach Woods based upon reports of similar conduct on the part of Woods as it pertained to the former player.  However, that individual declined to elaborate on her relationship with Woods during this investigation.             Unless any additional information is brought forward that would allow this matter to be reviewed, the criminal investigation is closed for now.  Any other matters pertaining to Woods’ contact with this child or other children engaged in the soccer program or the middle school is a matter between the parents and Elkhart Community Schools. Â“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law”