AKRON -- Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh confirmed that Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Todd McKenney sentenced Michael Thompson, 30, of Macedonia, to four years and 11 months in prison, one month short of the maximum sentence.
Thompson coached a high-level travel volleyball team based out of Twinsburg. He admitted to having a sexual relationship with a then 16-year-old girl who was a member of his team.
Thompson was also designated a Tier III sex offender and will have to register with the local sheriff every 90 days for the rest of his life.
On May 12, he pleaded guilty to sexual battery and gross sexual imposition.
"What happened to the victim will affect her for the rest of her life. Thompson used his position as coach to prey on and take advantage of young girls," said Prosecutor Walsh. "Thompson will spend significant time in prison for his actions."
Police say that the girl was being recruited to play for Thompson on the Ignite Volleyball club during the first two rapes and she was a player on the team when the third rape occurred.
Thompson is married and has one child.
