Former high school coach ordered to pay $53 for ‘unlawful kissing of a minor’ charge after no-contest plea

HILDALE, Utah (ABC4) — A former high school assistant coach has been ordered to pay just $53 after pleading no contest to a charge for his involvement with a teenage athlete earlier this year.

Aaron Peter Lacorti, 37, was arrested and charged with unlawful kissing of a minor, a Class A misdemeanor, in March 2025. On Friday, Lacorti pleaded no contest to the charge.

A no-contest plea can only be entered with the consent of the court, according to Utah State Code, and is usually used in plea deals or resolutions to reduce sentencing. No contest — nolo contendere — means that the defendant is not admitting guilt, but will accept the sentencing as if they are guilty.

In the sentencing document filed on July 11, the maximum fine, $4,803, was ordered, but the majority of it was suspended, meaning that Lacorti is ordered only to pay a $53 fine plus any interest.

Lacorti was not ordered to serve any time, but has been placed on probation for 24 months. He is also ordered to complete a psychosexual evaluation and complete treatment based on the results of the evaluation.

Other terms of his sentencing are that he is not to contact the underage victim until she is 18 and must write an apology letter to her. Lacorti was also ordered not to possess or consume any drugs or alcohol while on probation or go to any location where alcohol is the main item of sale (such as a bar or liquor store).

Background

According to documents, Lacorti allegedly entered a relationship with an underage student-athlete at Water Canyon High School. He was accused of “making out” with the victim at a well-known location for teens to kiss. An anonymous caller contacted authorities, who contacted the victim’s parents.

The victim initially did not want to speak with police, but later told them about the alleged incident during an interview and showed a letter from Lacorti that mentioned the “relationship” between them.

Lacorti was a part-time boys’ basketball coach at Water Canyon High School and did not have any other duties at the school, according to the Washington County School District.

“His contract ended in February with the end of the basketball season… In light of this incident, his contract will not be renewed,” the district said at the time of his arrest. “We are working to provide the necessary support to the student involved.”