PHOENIX— On September 16, 2016, former track coach, Christopher McKenna (DOB 06/07/78) was sentenced to 10 years in the Department of Corrections for one count of sexual conduct with a minor and two counts of aggravated luring of a minor for sexual exploitation.

“It is reprehensible when a person placed in a position of trust with young girls uses it as an opportunity to prey on an underage victim,” said County Attorney Bill Montgomery. “Today’s sentence underscores the severe consequences our laws impose on adults who seek to engage in sexual conduct with minors,” he added.

McKenna was a local high school track coach and his victim was a 16-year-old student of another school he met at a track event. Between June 2015 and December 2015 McKenna met the victim at various locations near her school and engaged in sexual acts with her in his vehicle. A friend of the victim reported the relationship to school authorities who then notified law enforcement.

McKenna’s 10 year sentence will be followed by lifetime supervised probation and he will have to register as a sex offender. It’s important to note this sentence was made possible by a legislative change in 2015 to hold accountable those who would prey on youth when they serve in a position in trust.