A former Albert Lea High School boys’ soccer coach charged with marijuana possession could have his charge expunged if he completes a series of court-ordered conditions.

In what was described as a favorable disposition, Freeborn County District Judge Steve Schwab on Monday deferred prosecution of 37-year-old Elia Romano of Albert Lea.

Schwab ordered Romano to complete a five-year probation stint and 30 days of electronic home monitoring. He must also complete 80 hours of community service, report to his probation agent as directed and have no alcohol or controlled substance use, among other conditions.

If he completes these conditions successfully, he could have no public record of the charge, according to state statute.

“This whole statute is about giving a second chance,” said Romano’s lawyer, Brian N. Toder of Minneapolis-based law firm Chestnut Cambronne.

Freeborn County Attorney Craig Nelson added that it was a standard decision for a person with a first-time drug possession charge.

Romano was in his seventh season as the Tigers’ head coach when he parted ways in October with the Albert Lea School District following an investigation by the district.

According to Superintendent Mike Funk in October, a complaint was made about Romano, so the district investigated and took “appropriate action.” No further comment was given.

Romano, who had a 57-90-10 record as the coach, said he and the school district parted ways for “personal reasons.”

In court Monday, Romano said he has been through a “very humbling nine months.”

“There certainly was a lesson here for me to learn, and I can honestly say I’ve learned it,” he said, noting he has a different view of both marijuana and the law than he did previously.

He will not be able to coach soccer until the charge is resolved, Toder added.

The lawyer said he is optimistic Romano’s probation will end early — possibly even before the next soccer season.