Crime & Safety
New Sex Charges Levied Against 'Predatory' Ex-Coach
Kenneth Kimber, accused of trying to have sex with a teenager, also allegedly brought a 14 year old to his home.
A new underage sex solicitation charge was added in court Tuesday against a former Hampton-area basketball coach and Portsmouth School Department worker accused of using a school computer to attempting to have sex with an underage girl.
Kenneth Kimber, 34, of Portsmouth, was charged last month with soliciting sex from a 15-year-old girl. On Tuesday in Portsmouth District Court, he was also charged with soliciting sex from another girl who was 14 years old.
"The court views your actions as predatory," Judge Sawako Garnder told Kimber during Tuesday's hearing before ordering him held on $15,000 cash and $15,000 personal recognizance bail.
Find out what's happening in Hampton-North Hamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Kimber's attorney argued unsuccessfully for a lower bail amount.
"He's not a danger to the community," said Joseph Prieto, of Manchester, who maintained his client is innocent.
Find out what's happening in Hampton-North Hamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Kimber has served as a basketball coach and trainer for students from throughout the Hampton and greater Seacoast areas, and worked with local students while with the Seacoast Spartans, True Champion, and Portsmouth Middle School. Kimber was fired from his information technology position in the Portsmouth School Department and from his post as first-year head coach of the Noble High School boys' basketball team in Berwick, Maine, after his arrest was publicized.
Kimber, who has a child, was ordered to stay away from three minors whose identities were protected in court papers.
Prosecutors said Kimber could face more charges, as police are investigating if there are other potential victims.
Prosecutors on Tuesday said Kimber sent a graphic photo to the 14-year-old girl and then picked her up at her home and brought her to his home. Prosecutors said he used Facebook to contact the girl.
The age of sexual consent in New Hampshire is 16.
Kimber following his arrest last month. It was immediately unclear Tuesday morning if he would be able to make his higher bail amount.
His charges for trying to have sex with the 15-year-old girl were forwared to Rockingham County Superior Court for possible indictment—the step before a trial.
HAMPTON-NORTH HAMPTON PATCH: Facebook | Twitter | E-mail Updates |
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
