Indiana lawmakers seek changes to early release law - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Indiana lawmakers are seeking changes to the state's early release law in response to the upcoming release of a former high school swim coach convicted of sexually abusing a 14-year-old student.

Republican Sen. Jim Merritt of Indianapolis says Christopher Wheat "found a way to manipulate the system" to reduce his sentence. Merritt plans a bill next session to change a provision that allows inmates to shorten their sentences by earning college degrees behind bars.

The 38-year-old Wheat received an eight-year sentence in September 2010 for his conviction on two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and one count of child solicitation for sexually assaulting the girl.

But he's set for release Thursday after serving less than two years in part because he earned two college degrees in prison.

Wheat was the director and head coach of the Lawrence Swim Team, a private club, as well as assistant coach at Lawrence North High School. He was suspended from both positions.

Wheat also faces a civil lawsuit which was filed in November 2011. The lawsuit claims Wheat often intimidated the victim by throwing plastic chairs and swim boards during practice. The civil action calls for compensation for punitive damages and all attorney fees.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)