Trial to begin for ex-coach accused of arson

TROY, Ohio (AP) — The trial is set to begin for a former western Ohio high school basketball coach accused of setting his own house on fire just days after he was charged with sexual battery involving a 15-year-old girl.

The jury trial begins today in Miami County Common Pleas Court for James Clay of Piqua. He has pleaded not guilty.

Clay was convicted last year of sexual battery and is serving a five-year prison term.

In April, Clay was charged with aggravated arson for a 2007 fire at his home. Authorities also found a spray-painted racial slur on his car. Local church officials urged authorities to investigate the blaze as a possible hate crime.

If convicted of the arson charge, Clay could face an additional eight years in prison.