Lilley gets suspended sentence, probation

Beacon Journal staffer Bill Lilley was put on probation for two years and given a 60-day, suspended sentence and the charge reduced to public indecency involving a 14-year-old girl and the 54-year-old Lilley, her softball instructor. Akron Municipal Court Judge Annalisa S. Williams imposed the sentence and the conditions Wednesday.

Court records show that Lilley will not be allowed to coach softball or baseball for females under 18 years old, must complete sexual offender treatment and must have no contact with the family. Akron News Now said Lilley was fined $1,000, Ohio.com -- which lists Lilley as a copy editor -- said the fine was $1,179 but the court records under "fine" say "$0."

The incident happened April 17. Springfield Township police filed the original, inappropriate touching charges.