2 Tri-West officials could lose teaching licenses over handling of sex abuse investigation

The Indiana Department of Education has moved to suspend the teaching licenses of two officials at Tri-West High School as two other former district employees face criminal charges stemming from a sexual abuse investigation.

Dean of Students Stacey Begle and Athletic Director Nathan Begle have been placed on paid administrative leave, according to a district spokeswoman. The district was made aware of the state's action on Thursday.

The move to suspend the Begles' licenses is related to the investigations, the district confirmed.

The notice comes just weeks after the school's former principal, Adam Benner, and former football coach, Tyler Bruce, were charged in connection with allegations that Bruce acted inappropriately toward a girl who had been assigned as his aide. 

Last year, an attorney for the student filed a tort claim notice against the school district, claiming school officials failed to protect the girl from the abuse. Bruce, who faces charges of child seduction and obstruction of justice, has denied the allegations. 

According to court documents filed in Bruce's case, he talked to the 17-year-old girl via Snapchat and asked her to send him pictures of herself. He also allegedly touched her over her clothes several times at school and on one occasion, reached under her shirt and touched her stomach. 

License suspensions have also been filed for Benner, who resigned from his position last summer, and Bruce, who was placed on administrative leave as the district works to terminate his contract. 

Benner was charged with a misdemeanor last month after police said he was aware of allegations of the abuse and did not report them to the proper authorities.

Benner's case will be heard at a bench trial on March 23, according to online court records, and Bruce's jury trial is scheduled to begin April 22.

Call IndyStar reporter Holly Hays at 317-444-6156. Follow her on Twitter: @hollyvhays.