SHELBY - No charges will be filed against Natalie Huggins, varsity softball coach and teacher with the Shelby City School District, following an incident involving a softball player, according to Mansfield First Assistant Law Director Michael Kemerer.

Huggins is currently on paid leave at the district.

On May 8, Huggins, in the midst of an "intense" conversation with a player, touched the player near or about the neck, according to a misconduct form filed with the Ohio Department of Education in Huggins' personnel file, obtained by the News Journal through a public records request. The team played River Valley that day and lost 9-5.

The school district also reported the incident on May 10 to the Shelby Police Department and Richland County Children Services.

Shelby police did not receive a formal complaint by the victim or parents of the victim, who is a juvenile, Officer Keith Swisher wrote in the general offense police report, dated May 14.

Shelby's police investigation was reviewed by the Mansfield Law Director's office because Shelby Law Director Gordon Eyster had a conflict of interest in the case, according to Kemerer. The nature of that conflict was not explained.

"There was an allegation that a student was choked," Kemerer said in an email.

According to an email the News Journal obtained Wednesday, written from Kemerer to Eyster, dated June 5, Kemerer said, "I have reviewed the investigative report and attached statements for the alleged assault by (name redacted) against (named redacted). After a thorough review, I see no viable criminal offenses and would decline to file any charges in this matter."

Kemerer also said in that email, "Of specific importance to me in coming to this conclusion is the lack of injuries or visible markings and the apparent lack of serious intent as evidenced by the alleged victim's father having witnessed it as it happened and suggesting that (redacted name) 'hit' his daughter.

"While I find no viable criminal charge that could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt arising out of this incident, I reviewed this matter in a criminal, not administrative, capacity, and this is in no way an endorsement of the actions as proper or within the school's guidelines," Kemerer said.

Shelby police Chief Lance Combs said in an email to the News Journal that his department will follow the advice of the prosecutor on determination of charges.

According to her personnel file, Huggins was relieved of her duties as softball coach a day after the incident, and subsequently relieved of her duties as a teacher on May 13.

Huggins was directed not to attend school, school functions or engage in school-related extracurricular activities, on school property or at any other location, without obtaining permission from Tim Tarvin, superintendent of Shelby City School District.

Tarvin, when reached by phone, said the district does not comment on personnel-related matters.

A job opening for a varsity softball coach has been posted on the Shelby City School District's website.

Huggins is daughter of Chuck Huggins, long-time head softball coach at Colonel Crawford High School.

lwhitmir@nncogannett.com

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Twitter: @LWhitmir