FILE - This Dec. 13, 2018 file photo provided by the Custer County Sheriff's Office shows James "Doc" Jensen Jr. in Miles City, Mont. Jensen, a former Montana high school athletic trainer accused of sexually abusing students, plans to plead guilty Tuesday, March 12, 2019 to a federal charge of coercion and enticement. (Custer County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)
March 11, 2019 - 9:23 AM
BILLINGS, Mont. - A former athletic trainer charged with abusing numerous Montana students over decades under the guise of improving their athletic performance is due to plead guilty to a federal coercion charge.
James "Doc" Jensen Jr. is scheduled to appear Tuesday before U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen in Missoula.
The 79-year-old Miles City man faces up to 15 years in prison.
Federal prosecutors say he used the internet and other means to persuade high school students to join what Jensen called "The Program" and then systematically abused them.
One former Custer County District High School student and alleged victim said Jensen told boys in puberty that they would grow stronger by submitting to his abuse.
Jensen's defence attorney says it's in his client's best interest to plead guilty but declined further comment.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019