Former high school coach pleads guilty to child endangerment

FALLON " A former high school softball coach pleaded guilty Tuesday morning to child endangerment, a charge stemming from a Jan. 18 party at her home where alcohol was allegedly provided to minors.

Tami Peel, 38, previously pleaded guilty to contributing to the delinquency of five minors two weeks ago.

The child endangerment charge comes from Peel allowing her daughter to attend the party. The attorney general's office said the party was given for Peel's daughter.

The Nevada Attorney General's Office is also investigating whether a 15-year-old girl was gang raped at the party by up to five boys.

District Judge David Huff said he knows Peel, and while they are not actual friends, they are friendly toward each other. He added he could be impartial.

"I feel I can be fair to both," he said.

"She does not have a problem with going forward," responded Peel's attorney, Henry Sotelo.

Ronda Clifton, the prosecutor from the attorney general's office, said they also are fine with Huff handling the case.

Peel waived her preliminary hearing in Justice Court on the gross misdemeanor so she could be arraigned on the count of abuse, neglect or endangerment of a child.

The former softball coach, when sentenced Jan. 27 on the gross misdemeanor, faces up to one year in the county jail and a fine up to $2,000.

Huff said the charge stems from the January party when Peel purchased alcohol for a party where teens were drinking, fighting and having sex.

The district judge asked Peel for a factual representation he needed in order to accept her plea.

"I brought the alcohol for the kids," Peel said.

Huff asked her if there was a party at her residence and if it involved fights and sexual activity. Peel answered yes to both questions.

Peel said the gross misdemeanor charge is the result of endangering a child living at her home where the party was held. The child was at the party.

Huff allowed Peel to remain free on her own recognizance, and she was ordered to have no alcohol or contact with witnesses and victims, other than her children.