COLUMBUS—The former boys golf coach at Greenwood High School and Middle School will not be going to prison, after pleading guilty to a drug charge.
38-year-old Benjamin Beatty was sentenced to eight years, but seven years were suspended and the remaining year will be spent in a work-release program.
Beatty, who lives in Columbus, was arrested last year following a traffic stop there.
At the time, Indiana State Police said a search of Beatty's vehicle found one ounce of suspected methamphetamine, heroin and drug paraphernalia.
Police said Beatty also resisted arrest.
As part of their investigation, troopers searched Beatty's house and a motel room he rented and found additional methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, syringes, drug paraphernalia and packaging material.
Officers also located counterfeit money and other evidence of counterfeiting.
Beatty faced six charges, but in a plea deal, he pleaded guilty to one felony count of Possession of Methamphetamine.
State Police said there was no evidence that any of Beatty's "illegal activity on his off time was connected to his connection with his students who he mentored in the golf program."
Following Beatty's arrest last year, Greenwood Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Kent DeKoninck said the coach would be terminated and would have no contact with the student-athletes on the golf teams.
Beatty coached the boys golf teams at Greenwood High School and Middle School, but was not a teacher in the school system.
