Former Mabton coach sentenced to six months for sex relationship with player

YAKIMA — A former Mabton High School girls basketball coach was sentenced Tuesday to six months in jail for having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old player on his team.

Michael Roettger, 33, faced between six and 12 months in custody under the standard sentencing range after pleading guilty in Yakima County Superior Court in March to first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor. This was his first felony conviction, which will require him to register as a sex offender.

Deputy prosecutor Brenna Nelson said the victim and her family agreed to the plea.

Roettger admitted to having a sexual relationship with the girl during the 2007-08 basketball season.

In January of last year, the Mabton School District investigated a report of Roettger's possible inappropriate involvement with a student, but school officials said he was cleared of any wrongdoing at the time.

However, because of the investigation, he did not apply for renewal of his coaching contract after the basketball season ended in February 2008. He had coached the girls team for four seasons.

District officials said law enforcement investigators received new information in September about Roettger's relationship with the victim, leading to his arrest in October.