SHELBYVILLE — Earlier this week, Mt. Vernon (Fortville) boys basketball coach Ben Rhoades was arrested and is now charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
According to police, Rhoades was leaving the Horseshoe Indianapolis Casino in Shelbyville when security informed police of a possible intoxicated driver after they had been given a red card (meaning ejection from the casino).
A Shelbyville officer observed Rhoades’ driving erratically before beginning a traffic stop.
During the traffic stop, Rhoades failed three field sobriety tests and took a breath test that showed a .218 BrAC. This is nearly three times the legal limit.
Rhoades was taken into custody on a warrant for a blood draw.
Following the arrest, the Mt. Vernon Community School Corporation provided the following statement:
"MVCSC received notice that an employee, Mr. Ben Rhoades of Mt. Vernon High School, has been arrested and was released this weekend. With it being a personnel matter, we have legal limitations and are not able to share anything further. Pursuant to our policy, we have placed the employee on leave while the situation is under review.
Mt. Vernon High School staff will be supporting the classes and students impacted during his absence. Mt. Vernon will continue to stay committed to providing academic excellence for all Mt. Vernon students and will strive to ensure this situation does not alter an optimal learning environment for all students. We will remain diligent in ensuring nothing minimizes that priority while we provide support for our students and staff."
He was hired as head basketball coach in May 2018.
In an update on March 2, the school corporation said Rhoades will return to his teaching position on March 27. His role as basketball coach is still under review.
-
Perfect season has turned Indiana into the toast of college football
Even the start of basketball season at one of the sport’s true blueblood programs cannot diminish the excitement of college football’s biggest surprise and best story.
Colts give Anthony Richardson the starting QB job for rest of season
Richardson will move forward as the starting quarterback for the Colts. This comes two weeks after coach Shane Steichen benched Richardson in favor of 39-year-old Joe Flacco.
IMPD arrests 21-year-old for violating home detention, possessing firearm
A traffic stop led to the arrest of a 21-year-old after he allegedly violated the terms of his home detention and had a firearm illegally.
Title IX investigation still pending 2.5 years later at MSD Decatur Township
A federal investigation into how the Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township handled sexual misconduct allegations is still pending two and a half years later.
