Barnard faces one count of unlawful use of an electronic device to induce a minor to engage in sexual or other prohibited activities, solicitation of promoting a sexual performance by a minor and two counts of distributing obscene matter to minors.
Marshall County Sheriff Kevin Byars said Barnard’s arrest was the result of a six month investigation. He said detectives opened the investigation after being contacted by the school in December of last year. According to Byars, detectives seized several electronic devices from the high school and Barnard's home and search warrants have been issued to determine the contents of those electronic devices.
Byars said the victim in the case is a 15-year-old student at Marshall County High School and there could be more victims. He's asking that anyone with information contact the sheriff's office. Detective Matt Hilbrecht is the lead investigator in the case. Byars said as more information is gathered, more charges may arise.
Barnard resigned in February after serving as the Marshals’ head coach for four seasons. It’s not clear if his resignation had anything to do with the investigation.
Barnard's resignation came about a month after he was injured in a one-vehicle wreck on U.S. Highway 68 near Briensburg. Police said Barnard was westbound when his vehicle left the road and struck a tree. He was taken to Marshall County Hospital, and later airlifted to an Evansville hospital by Air Evac Air Medical. He came home from the hospital a few days later.
Barnard went 16-28 over four seasons as head coach of the Marshals. His best year was 2011, when he led the Marshals to a 6-5 record, losing 6-0 to Louisville Seneca in the first round of the 6A playoffs.
Police are asking anyone with information on the crimes listed or in any crime to call Marshall County Crime Stoppers at 270-527-COPS
You may receive up to a $1000 reward.
