Mike Renfro, Beech Grove teacher and boys basketball coach, resigns after drug arrest

Update, Dec. 2: Former Beech Grove basketball coach and teacher pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated on Dec. 1, 2022, after an arrest in Henry County in August, court records show.  Mike Renfro, who resigned from the high school, received a one-year suspended sentence with one year of probation, which means he will not serve jail time.

He was also ordered to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and received a 180-day license suspension. As part of a plea agreement, charges of possession of cocaine, dealing in cocaine, and public intoxication were dropped. Read more here.

Original story, Aug. 22: Five months after leading Beech Grove to its first boys basketball state championship, Mike Renfro has resigned his positions as teacher and coach at the school.

Renfro, who is facing two felony charges following his arrest Aug. 8 in Henry County for possession of cocaine and dealing cocaine between one and five grams, resigned Tuesday, according to the school. In a statement, the school said:

“On Tuesday, August 16, 2022, Michael Renfro, who was a teacher and coach with Beech Grove City Schools, resigned from his positions with the district. As noted earlier, the district intends to fully cooperate with law enforcement officers as they conduct their investigation. The district has also contacted the Indiana Department of Education regarding Mr. Renfro’s emergency educator license, as the district is required to do so by law.”

Previously:Beech Grove coach Mike Renfro arrested on drug charges just months after state title win

Renfro, 45, was originally suspended by the school “pending further investigation” following his arrest. He was pulled over late on the night of Aug. 7, as his vehicle was traveling 45 miles per hour eastbound on I-70 near New Castle. His preliminary breath test registered a .240 blood alcohol content and officers found multiple small baggies of a white substance that was later determined to be cocaine weighing a total of 1.86 grams.

“It is a reasonable assumption to believe that since Mr. Renfro Jr had seven separate and individually wrapped dollar bills and baggies containing cocaine and was traveling with these items on the interstate, Mr. Renfro had the intent to deliver cocaine to another person or persons,” the affidavit read.

Doyel:Indiana's basketball story is big on winning, but state is losing battle vs. drugs

Renfro is also facing misdemeanor charges for operating a vehicle while intoxicated and public intoxication. His initial hearing is set for Aug. 30 in New Castle.

Renfro, a Beech Grove graduate and a former star player at the school, led Beech Grove to a Class 3A state title last season. He was named Marion County coach of the year.

Call Star reporter Kyle Neddenriep at (317) 444-6649.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Beech Grove basketball coach Mike Renfro resigns after drug charges