News Summary
Bennet Schmitz, a former assistant track coach at Greenfield High School, faces multiple serious charges including child enticement and sexual assault. At just 23 years old, he is accused of an inappropriate relationship with a student-athlete that began during the spring of 2024. Following a student’s courageous disclosure, authorities have launched an investigation, revealing a pattern of troubling behavior. The Greenfield School District is taking measures to support affected students and has emphasized the importance of safety within schools.
Shocking Charges Against Former Greenfield High School Assistant Track Coach
In an unsettling turn of events in Greenfield, a young man has found himself at the center of serious allegations that have left the community in shock. Bennet Schmitz, just 23 years old and from Schofield, is facing two counts of child enticement and one count of sexual assault of a student by school staff. All these charges are felonies, and if convicted, he could be looking at up to 56 years in prison and hefty fines totaling around $210,000.
Details About the Allegations
Schmitz was taken into custody on October 20, marking the culmination of an investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship with a high school student-athlete. The allegations first came to light after a concerned student bravely spoke up, alerting school staff about the troubling situation.
According to reports, the incidents reportedly unfolded during the spring of 2024, a time when Schmitz served as an assistant track coach at Greenfield High School for the 2022-23 and 2023-24 spring seasons. Although Schmitz was not a licensed educator and did not have a formal teaching role within the district, he had passed a criminal background check before his hiring.
A Student’s Courageous Disclosure
The timeline of events started when a 17-year-old student disclosed to a school resource officer on October 9 that she had been sexually assaulted by Schmitz since April 2024. The young athlete shared that Schmitz had begun to reach out to her through calls and texts during the spring 2023 track season. Adding another layer to this troubling situation, he later became her supervisor at a job, which added pressure to their already complicated dynamic.
As the communications escalated, they reportedly took a darker turn, becoming increasingly sexual in nature around March 2024. The victim felt trapped and pressured to continue communicating with Schmitz due to his position and alarming declarations about his mental health if she were to back away.
Concerning Encounters and Digital Evidence
The situation allegedly escalated to sexual contact at various locations, including Schmitz’s apartment and hotels in the area like those in New Berlin and Franklin. The victim claims there were multiple encounters and that she stayed overnight at Schmitz’s apartment on four occasions. Disturbingly, he even persuaded her to share nude photos via Snapchat, to which he responded with explicit videos.
The victim took it upon herself to document the extensive exchange of text messages from March 2023 to October 2024, which reveal the concerning dynamics of their relationship. Law enforcement was quick to act, and during an interview with detectives, Schmitz initially downplayed their encounters, admitting to only kissing the student before acknowledging further sexual contact.
School and Community Response
The Greenfield School District has released a statement expressing their deep concern for the safety and well-being of their students. In light of the serious nature of the allegations, counselors are available for support for any students affected by this situation. The district has fully cooperated with law enforcement and has chosen not to comment further, respecting the privacy of the student involved.
As the community grapples with these shocking revelations, Schmitz is set to face an initial court appearance on October 28, 2025. The case has already raised significant questions about safety in schools and the responsibilities of staff members.
A Call for Awareness and Support
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and communication between students, parents, and school officials. Everyone is encouraged to speak up if they witness any concerning behavior. The safety of our young people must remain a top priority, and support is available for those who need it.
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Additional Resources
- Journal Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Greenfield High School
- Fox6 News
- Google Search: Greenfield High School assistant coach
- WISN 12
- Google Scholar: School staff and sexual assault
- WSAW News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child enticement law
- Recorder News
- Google News: Coach sexual assault charges
