Coach in sex case fights to teach again

ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) - A former high school teacher and coach is battling to teach again after being fired over allegations he had sexual contact with a young student.

While despite being acquitted of the charge , the Public Education Department wants to revoke David Lawrence's teaching license.

His fight to keep that license led to a hearing Monday at the Roswell Independent School District.

"I said our relationship is platonic and it'll remain platonic.  It's always been platonic," Lawrence testified recalling a conversation between him and his accuser.

Seven months after a jury acquitted him of criminal sexual contact with a 17-year-old student at Goddard High School, Lawrence's argument for staying in the classroom remains as it did when he talked to KRQE News 13 in May. 

"There's not a lot of people that every day they can wake up in the morning and say they love to go to work," Lawrence said then. "I did that for 17 years."

On Monday his accuser spoke once again this time saying her motivation was to protect other girls.

"Was there ever a time when this went further than talking?" asked Chris Romero, attorney for the PED.

"Yes," she answered alleging instances at school. "He would touch my legs or my breasts or my bottom."

But, the young woman did change her story at times. At first, she told others the two had sex but then stated that was a lie.
    
Lawrence's attorney, S. Doug Jones Witt, argued she lost credibility.

"In your lifetime you've had some previous problems with telling the truth.  Is that a fair statement?"

"Yes sir," she replied.

Since the trial, the young woman has filed a federal lawsuit against Lawrence and the Roswell Board of Education for damages. In the lawsuit, she claims she was retaliated against after the trial and continues to suffer emotional distress.
    
Much of Monday's hearing went back over accusations from the criminal trial. And, in Lawrence's case, his attorney hopes it will help him get his job back.

Under question by Witt, the young woman conceded she was unsure how to react as rumors began circulating about Lawrence and her.

"Because you're right in the middle of this, in the middle of all these lies that you've told, the truth is you didn't know what to do?" Witt said.

"Yes," she answered.

Transcripts of witness testimony transcripts from the trial will also be used in these proceedings. An independent hearing officer will make the decision on whether Lawrence will keep his teaching license.

Since the trial, Lawrence has been teaching at Job Corps in Roswell. According to his attorney, Lawrence has also appealed his termination.