Ex-Softball Coach Accused Of Sexually Assaulting 13-Year-Old Girl

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A 44-year-old former girls' softball coach has been accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl who was on his team in western Michigan in 2012.

Thomas Barnes Galloway of Ottawa County's Spring Lake Township was arraigned Tuesday in a Grand Haven courtroom on a charge of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

The sheriff's department said charges were brought after the girl, now 17, recently told a parent. Police suspect Galloway may have provided alcohol and marijuana to the victim, according to a report.

Galloway was the founder of the Michigan Sabercats, a group of traveling softball teams, and a coach until his recent resignation. A judge ordered him to stay away from the team's Allendale facility.

Defense lawyer David Zessin didn't answer questions after leaving the courtroom Tuesday, according to a report by MLive. The Associated Press left message for Zessin.

The Ottawa County-based Sabercats website posted this statement on Monday:

Hello Sabercats' Families –

The recent news concerning a prominent member of our organization most likely came as both shocking and appalling.  While we understand the situation remains in the 'innocent until proven guilty' phase, it is important to know what our organization has done internally. 

Immediately upon learning of the allegations, we formed an emergency committee which acted promptly and swiftly leading to the mutual parting ways with the accused. This includes removing him from his current coaching and board positions in addition to extracting all of his likeness from our website and social media accounts. Based on his resignation, this is a permanent action at this time.

This emergency committee remains in place with the priority to protect and educate the players in absolute hopes of preventing any form of this from occurring in any aspect of life. Details on those efforts are forthcoming. Suggestions and feedback as we move forward are welcome and invaluable.

2016 season will go on as planned while our thoughts and prayers are with any victims that may exist.  Look for additional organization wide updates in the near future.

Michigan Sabercats

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Galloway, who is also known as a high-end home builder in the area, has a previous conviction for felony marijuana manufacture and delivery in connection with a grow operation in his basement.

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