Former Cross Country Coach Waives Hearing in Corruption of Minor Case

An Ambler man on Wednesday waived his preliminary hearing and will be formally arraigned on charges stemming from his student. 

William Ryan Lichtner, 24, a former Hatboro-Horsham High School girls cross country coach of two years, is accused of supplying Vlad Vodka, Smirnoff Vodka, Four Loko, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Whipped Pinnacle Vodka and Blue Wave Vodka to a 17-year-old female on “at least eight occasions” from February 2012 through May 19, according to court documents. 

The teen, who made the allegations against Lichtner, notified the high school’s guidance counselor on May 24, according to authorities. The began an investigation that day. The girl, whose name has been withheld by authorities, contends that Lichtner gave her a ride home during the early morning hours of May 24 after she snuck out of her parent’s home and went to a friend’s house. During the ride, the girl claimed that Lichtner “said some inappropriate things to her,” according to court documents.

During her interview later that day with Horsham Township Police Detective Robert Waeltz, the teen was said to have shown several text messages that Lichtner had allegedly sent to her.

On the evening of May 24, the girl agreed to wear a wire while talking to Lichtner on the telephone. During the 21-minute call, conversation included “the fact that she owed him money for alcohol that he provided,” according to the affidavit of probable cause.

In addition to Lichtner's role as cross country coach, he also worked during the district’s Red and Black activities and as a timer at various track meets. Prior to coaching, for Hatboro-Horsham. 

Hatboro-Horsham School District officials said previously that he passed the required background checks for criminal record and child abuse history clearances, commonly known as Act 34 and Act 151. 

Lichtner remains free on $10,000 unsecured bail and is scheduled for a formal arraignment on Sept. 12 at 9:30 a.m. in the Court of Common Pleas.