A former star athlete and varsity basketball coach at Gates-Chili high school who was charged with rape accepted a plea deal Monday in State Supreme Court.

The 39-year-old Nowden was charged with having sex with a person under the age of 17 in January. The alleged victim in this case was a student at Gates-Chili High School. As he pleaded guilty to third degree rape, Nowden admitted that he had sexual intercourse with the victim while they attended a movie at the Tinseltown Theatre on Buffalo Road.

"Rape third is commonly referred to as statutory rape, and I think this is exactly the type of case that our laws are designed to prevent and protect the children in our community of this type of situation,” said Amanda Balling, prosecutor. “This was obviously a young child that was manipulated and we hate to see that, especially when a child goes to school. We don't want parents to have to worry about their children at school. It's one of the places they should be safest."

Nowden, who was fired from his job as in school suspension supervisor and boys’ varsity basketball coach, was arrested again in May for allegedly violating an order of protection against the girl. His attorney, Christian Catalano, declined to comment.

"It's a sad day in our community when we have to worry about our children at school, especially from teachers and basketball coaches, but we're pleased with the outcome,” Balling said.

Nowden agreed to a term of one-and-a-half years in State Prison. He'll be sentenced on August 15th.

The agreement also satisfies a criminal contempt charge stemming from Nowden's May arrest for violating the order of protection.