News Summary
The Greenfield community is in shock as former track coach Bennet Schmitz faces serious charges including child enticement and sexual assault of a student. Following a report from a 17-year-old student about inappropriate behavior and manipulation, Schmitz was arrested by the Greenfield Police. The investigation revealed alarming patterns of communication and coercive tactics that prompted the need for community awareness and support. With counselors available, the district emphasizes the importance of safeguarding students against such troubling incidents.
Shocking News Unfolds in Greenfield as Former School Coach Faces Serious Charges
Greenfield is buzzing with disbelief after the unsettling news that former track coach Bennet Schmitz has been arrested and charged with serious offenses involving a student. The 23-year-old, who previously served as an assistant coach at Greenfield High School during the spring track seasons of 2022-23 and 2023-24, found himself in hot water following a report of sexual assault.
The Arrest and Charges
On October 20, 2025, Schmitz was taken into custody by the Greenfield Police Department. He now faces two counts of child enticement along with one count of sexual assault of a student by school staff. The investigation into Schmitz was ignited by a 17-year-old student who bravely reported to a school resource officer on October 9, 2025, detailing her troubling experiences with him.
A Troubling Timeline of Events
The communication between Schmitz and the victim reportedly began during the spring track season of 2023. They exchanged messages regularly, with content becoming increasingly personal and concerning up until October 2024. Text messages revealed that Schmitz expressed feelings of love and his fears of losing the victim. Alarmingly, he allegedly warned the victim that she did not “need” him as much as he needed her, indicating a manipulative behavior.
Despite the victim’s attempts to distance herself from Schmitz, he allegedly threatened to commit suicide, which greatly pressured her into continuing contact. This led to sexual encounters that reportedly began in April of 2024 within Schmitz’s apartment and included visits to hotels in the nearby areas of New Berlin and Franklin. Such conduct raises serious questions about boundary violations between educators and students.
Manipulative Tactics and Disturbing Behavior
As the situation intensified, the victim was coerced into sending inappropriate photos over Snapchat, while Schmitz reciprocated with explicit videos. Not only was he controlling in the digital space, but he also demonstrated alarming behaviors, such as waiting outside the victim’s home to monitor her. Even after relocating to Schofield, he continued to exert pressure on the victim, reiterating his suicidal threats to manipulate her into visiting him.
Confession and School District Response
Upon investigation, Schmitz admitted to law enforcement that the victim visited his apartment approximately once a week during the track season. He also confessed to sending explicit videos to her, showcasing a troubling pattern of behavior that is now under serious scrutiny.
The School District of Greenfield, which employed Schmitz, has stated that he was not officially licensed as an educator but did pass a background check prior to his hiring. According to district officials, they are only aware of the involvement of one student and have committed to fully cooperating with law enforcement as this case unfolds. Recognizing the potential impact on local students, counselors are available to provide support for anyone who may need assistance in light of these shocking events.
Community Shock and A Call for Awareness
The news of Schmitz’s arrest has understandably sent ripples of shock throughout the Greenfield community. Parents, students, and faculty alike are grappling with the implications of such interactions within their trusted school environments. This episode serves as a distressing reminder of the importance of safeguarding students and ensuring that all adults in educational settings are held to the highest standards of conduct.
As the legal process continues, many in Greenfield are looking for answers and reassurances that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The tale of Bennet Schmitz is a cautionary one for all, highlighting the need for vigilance and open dialogues about personal boundaries, trust, and safety in schools.
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Additional Resources
- Journal Sentinel
- Wikipedia: Safeguarding
- Fox6 News
- Google Search: Bennet Schmitz
- WISN
- Google Scholar: Child Protection in Schools
- News Channel 20
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Enticement
- Recorder
- Google News: Greenfield High School Coach Scandal
