Former Monte Vista Coach, Helix Teacher Pleads Not Guilty To Theft Charges

Larry Rinehart, 59, who coached the Monte Vista High School baseball team from 2003-07, pleaded not guilty Thursday to one count of grand theft, and two counts of theft by an employee.

The charges stem from Rinehart's alleged mismanagement and suspected embezzlement of the baseball team's funds while he was head coach, according to Deputy District Attorney Daniel Shim.

Rinehart was most recently employed as a teacher at Helix High School, where he taught courses in accounting and personal finance. His wife, Margaret, was also charged with a single count of grand theft. The couple face as much as three years each in state prison if convicted on the charges. According to the prosecution, the case has been under investigation for more than two years.

No other details were immediately released in the case. According to published reports, Rinehart and his wife filed for bankruptcy in 1995, and again in 2008. The couple, who remain out of custody, will be back in court April 1 for a readiness conference and April 13 for a preliminary hearing.

City News Service contributed to this report.