Ex-Coach Released On 6 Years’ Probation

After six months in a state prison boot camp for the sexual battery of two teenage girls, former Blackfoot High School football coach Kenneth Mack has been released on six years of probation.

But 7th District Judge Gregory Anderson set several stringent conditions on Mack’s release Monday. One requires him to be in the company of another adult any time he is in a public place frequented by children - including parks, recreation areas and schools.

Mack, 34, pleaded guilty last July to one felony count of sexual battery of a minor for trying to engage in sexual relations with two Blackfoot High School cheerleaders. He was an assistant varsity football coach and junior varsity basketball coach at the school from August 1994 until November 1995.

The father of four has spent the last six months at the Northern Idaho Correction Facility in Cottonwood, a military-style boot camp where inmates receive counseling for psychological and substance abuse problems.

Mack’s ex-wife, Ruey Orem, testified against him on Monday. She said she was “scared to death for myself and my children” by the prospect of Mack’s release.

“Kenny has some very good qualities and characteristics, but he uses them with people for power and to take advantage of them,” Orem said. “He demonstrates that attitude with our children.”

As a condition of his probation, Anderson ordered that Mack’s visits with his children be supervised. He also banned Mack from going to Orem’s home and ordered him to complete 100 hours of community service and additional sex offender treatment programs.