Brien takes Alford plea in sex-abuse case

Former assistant
tennis coach
to serve 48 hours
jail time, two-year
diverted sentence

By Mary Garrison
Tribune-Courier Features Editor
mgarrison@tribunecourier.com

MARSHALL COUNTY – Former Marshall County High School assistant tennis coach Martin Bo Brien went before special appointed Judge Greg Hines in Calloway County Circuit Court on Monday, concerning the matter of an alleged inappropriate relationship with a former MCHS student.

Brien, 25, formerly of Marshall County, entered an Alford plea to a reduced charge of unlawful action with a minor in the second degree and was sentenced to a two-year diverted sentence. Charges will be dismissed in the case after that time frame, pending no other charges or instances are filed against Brien.

He will also serve a 48-hour jail sentence in the Marshall County Detention Center, set to begin this weekend.

The initial offense took place in March, when Brien engaged in sexual intercourse with a then 17-year-old student. After Kentucky State Police launched its investigation, Brien resigned from his position with MCHS.

Graves County Commonwealth Attorney David Hargrove said the initial charge of first degree sexual abuse was amended after careful review of the circumstances and extensive conversation with the victim, the victim’s family and the grand jury.

“Based on the facts of this case, and very much in part on what the victim in this case wants, I put a great deal of weight on her wishes,” Hargrove said. “She’s the one ultimately who has to deal with this above anyone else. She has said that she wants this over so she can go on with her life.”

Hargrove said the victim did not wish to implement a no contact agreement, though he said neither party currently maintains contact to his knowledge.

Brien has not been legally restricted from pursuing further teaching opportunities, though Hargrove said, “I imagine it will be very difficult for him.”

Brien has since relocated to Nashville, Tenn. It is unclear if he will seek a teaching position at this time.

“This is certainly a cautionary tale,” Hargrove said. “It’s a reality that schools should be aware of the possible situations with these young coaches and things.”

Hargrove said Brien did serve as a coach to the student.

Brien’s conviction and subsequent penalty carries no further stipulations, probation or registry of sex offender status.

Hargrove said had it not been for legislation implemented after the conviction of former MCHS teacher Michael Colvett, no actual crime would have been committed. However, due to the nature, it was not something to be ignored.

“Hopefully, this will be a wake-up call,” Hargrove said.