BILLINGS — A former Montana high school athletic trainer accused of sexually abusing students under the guise of boosting their athletic performance is facing federal child coercion and enticement charges.
Prosecutors say that between 1995 and 1999, 78-year-old James “Doc” Jensen tried to entice a minor in Miles City to engage in sexual activity. The Billings Gazette reports Friday’s charges came the same day he pleaded not guilty in Custer County District Court to child pornography charges.
Jensen is facing a lawsuit in which 31 plaintiffs allege he systematically groomed young athletes for abuse during the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s while he was an athletic trainer at Custer County District High School.
Investigators say the child pornography was discovered as they were looking into those allegations.
Jensen’s attorney, Kathy Coleman, didn’t respond to a voicemail requesting comment Friday night.