No charges against Santa Margarita Coach Harry Welch

A spokeswoman for the Orange County district attorney's office said Thursday it is declining to file charges against Santa Margarita High football Coach Harry Welch following an investigation by the Orange County Sheriff's Department after an anonymous tip alleged that Welch pushed or shoved a player last December. Spokeswoman Farrah Emami said based on a review of the available evidence, the DA doesn't believe it could present a case where a jury would return a guilty verdict or could show beyond a reasonable doubt that a criminal act occurred. Welch was placed on administrative leave last Friday by the school and the Diocese of Orange pending outcome of a review. "Something came to the attention of the Diocese and the Santa Margarita administration, and they're looking into it," Diocese spokesman Stephen Bohannon said Thursday. -- Eric Sondheimer

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