Ex-coach cleared of sexual abuse

EDWARDSVILLE -- A former Metro East high school football coach found in a car with a female student has been found innocent of sexual abuse.

Thomas Pagliaro was tried in Madison County Circuit Court on charges of having sexual contact with a 16-year-old former student in 2007. He was working at Highland High School when he was arrested last July.

Testifying during the bench trial last month, Pagliaro said he kissed the girl but only touched her on her side and back, like a hug, while kissing.

Authorities say officers spotted Pagliaro sitting in a parked car in a Godfrey neighborhood where vehicle burglaries have been common. Pagliaro sped away before crashing three blocks later into a mailbox.

Associate Judge Richard Tognarelli found Pagliaro guilty of aggravated fleeing. It carries a sentence of up to three years in prison.