HS HOOPS: Jailed Chatsworth girls' JV coach awaiting fate

Hoping to strike a plea bargain Wednesday that would have released jailed Chatsworth High girls' junior-varsity basketball coach Andre LaBeach, who is being held since April 1 on felony sex charges, the 22-year-old coach will have to wait a bit longer.

LaBeach's new attorney, Scott Brown, of Woodland Hills, needs more time to weigh an offer from the district attorney's office to settle the case, which has been put over until June 2.

"It's winding down. I just have to take a look at a couple of things," said Brown, who added that a key issue is whether both sides can settle on a felony conviction or a misdemeanor.

Brown, a family friend who said he is not charging a fee, has replaced public defender Meredith Schensul.

"I personally know Andre LaBeach. He coached my daughter, Robyn, for two years," Brown said. "He is a good kid who made a foolish, stupid mistake. He's a great coach, and this should not ruin his life."

LaBeach is charged with four counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor at least three years younger. Held in lieu of $80,000 bail, LaBeach could face up to five years in prison plus a fine, according to Deputy District Attorney Alisanne Skolnik.

Skolnik refused comment Wednesday.

A large group of supporters for LaBeach attended the hearing Wednesday.

Brown said LaBeach plans to return to college and get his degree.

"This is his first time in jail, and in the beginning he was a little shell-shocked," Brown said.

LaBeach is a former basketball player at Cleveland High of Reseda.

gerry.gittelson@dailynews.com