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Former Chandler Unified coach indicted for sexual assault of student after DNA match

The incident occurred earlier this year during a New Year's Eve celebration. The former Perry High School coach has been charged with sexual assault.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — A former Perry High School assistant football coach has been indicted for allegedly sexually assaulting a student. 

Nathan Lauritzen, 45, was indicted in March for one count of sexual assault after a 16-year-old girl reported being assaulted during a New Year's Eve party at his home. 

Records show Chandler police immediately launched an investigation and obtained DNA from the victim. The result came back in mid-March which matched Lauritzen, police said.

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Lauritzen, who worked on a seasonal contract for the district, turned himself in on March 22 and pleaded not guilty. Lauritzen was given a $40,000 bond, which records show has been posted. 

Public records show that CUSD notified the Arizona Board of Education about the allegations against Lauritzen in February 2024.

On Monday, the education board accepted Lauritzen's voluntary surrendering of his right to work in an Arizona school.

The Chandler Unified School District released this statement to 12News:

Mr. Lauritzen is not a current employee. He was an assistant football coach in the fall. The school was notified on January 2 (which was over winter break). The very same day we were notified the school filed a mandatory report with Chandler Police. The incident did not occur on campus and because it was an active investigation, we took all direction on communication from the police. Since January, the school has been working collaboratively with the family.

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