A former Einstein High School coach pleaded guilty yesterday to six counts of sexually abusing five female students. Andre Kelley, 28, of the block of Brixworth Court in Damascus faces up to six years in prison when he is sentenced Jan.
Kelley and his attorney, Barry Helfand, made brief responses during the minute proceeding yesterday as Judge Thompson asked if he understood the consequences of the plea bargain.
Helfand has said the sexual incidents, some occurring at high school sports events starting in , were consensual. Kelley, who was hired by Montgomery County schools as an instructional aide in August , was placed on paid administrative leave when the first charges were filed in May after a teacher reported rumors about sexual incidents. He was subsequently fired. Friends of the track and wrestling coach described him as dedicated to education and inspiring students to excel and go on to college.
They said numerous Einstein students flirted with Kelley and threw themselves at him. Helfand in trial and in negotiations. He is remarkable. Helfand is extremely knowledgeable in the law, and even more knowledgeable in the ways to deal with people.
I have known Mr. Helfand for many years. We have worked together on cases and represented conflicting parties. I have watched Mr. Request a Free Consultation. Client Reviews.
