News Summary

David J. Schneider, a former football coach at Carrollton High School, has been acquitted of assault and battery charges after a trial that scrutinized allegations of inappropriate conduct with minor athletes. The judge, David D. Hoffman, ruled based on evidence presented that the accusations lacked immediate reporting, prompting questions about the case’s implications for student safety and teacher conduct in schools. Following his acquittal, Schneider can now begin to rebuild his career, while the Carrollton community reflects on the relationship dynamics between coaches and athletes.

Judge Acquits Former Carrollton High School Football Coach of Assault Charges

In a surprising turn of events, the legal saga surrounding David J. Schneider, a 59-year-old former football coach at Carrollton High School, reached a conclusion on May 20, 2025. Schneider was acquitted of two counts of assault and battery in Saginaw County District Court, a decision that brings clarity to allegations he consistently denied throughout the trial. The case was heard by Saginaw County District Judge David D. Hoffman, who served as the sole determiner of the verdict.

The Background of the Case

David Schneider’s troubles began when allegations surfaced regarding inappropriate behavior toward two minor athletes. These serious accusations accused him of misconduct during his term as the head coach—an educator and coach with over 30 years of experience in Michigan schools. Schneider had only taken over the Carrollton High School varsity football program the previous year, in 2024, and was also teaching English Language Arts.

The charges pointed to incidents where two teenage boys alleged Schneider engaged in personal and inappropriate touching, but they did not report the claims immediately. Instead, the allegations only came to light months later in a meeting involving school officials, parents, and athletes held in September 2024. Schneider had already resigned prior to facing criminal charges in December 2024, leaving many to speculate on the impact these allegations had on his career.

Defense Strategy and Counterargument

In Schneider’s defense, his attorney, Matthew L. Reyes, argued that no crime had been committed and emphasized how Schneider’s reputation had been unjustly tarnished by these accusations. Reyes described the September meeting as a “fishing expedition,” meant to uncover grounds to fire Schneider. Under cross-examination, the first teen witness claimed to feel shocked and embarrassed by Schneider’s actions yet inexplicably asked his mother not to pursue any action afterwards. This raised eyebrows, especially since the teen had quit football shortly after the alleged incidents.

The second teen testified about an incident that allegedly happened during a team photo day, where he claimed Schneider flicked him with a pencil in a way he felt was violating. It was evident that nine months after the event, both teenagers felt compelled to speak out in the context of a broader discussion about Schneider’s conduct. However, neither drove their complaints through official channels until much later.

The Judge’s Decision

Ultimately, the judge viewed the evidence and testimonies presented. While the prosecution painted Schneider’s behavior as “deeply troubling,” asserting that the incidents weren’t mere isolated mistakes, the lack of immediate reporting from the victims was pivotal. Schneider, who took the stand in his defense, strongly denied all accusations, contending that much of what was said had been exaggerated or misconstrued.

The prosecution held that the testimonies warranted serious concern. Nevertheless, their depiction of Schneider’s actions faced challenges as his supporters described gestures intended for celebration, such as an affectionate kiss as a way of expressing excitement over a player’s acceptance onto the team.

Looking Ahead

The courtroom drama concluded with Schneider’s acquittal, providing him an opportunity to rebuild after what was an harrowing chapter in his life. As numerous questions lingered about the events leading up to the trial, many in the community were left pondering the implications of the case on student safety and teacher conduct in schools.

The fallout from this case may continue to be felt in the Carrollton community as residents reflect on the relationship between coaches and athletes, grappling with the delicate balance between mentorship and appropriate boundaries. What remains now is a long road for Schneider as he contemplates his next steps forward in his career.

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