Asheville Community Faces Lawsuit Against Christian Academy

Community members discussing concerns regarding Asheville Christian Academy

News Summary

The Asheville Christian Academy is embroiled in a civil lawsuit after a former student accused the institution of failing to report alleged sexual abuse involving a coach. A lawsuit filed by ‘Jane Doe’ alleges neglect and misconduct by the school’s administration, raising serious questions about the safety and environment within the academy. As the community grapples with these revelations, attention turns to how the school will address the allegations and what it means for its future.

Asheville Community Grapples with Lawsuit Against Christian Academy

Asheville is buzzing with news this week as the local Asheville Christian Academy (ACA) finds itself in hot water. A civil lawsuit was filed on January 9, 2025, making some serious claims against the institution, its former leaders, and a former coach. The legal action comes after a former student, referred to as “Jane Doe,” accused them of neglecting to report and intervene in alleged sexual abuse and exploitation she endured during her time at the school.

The Allegations Unfold

The lawsuit paints a worrying picture, claiming that ACA staff turned a blind eye to repeated misconduct involving Samuel Jason Ingle, the former head coach. Ingle, now 52, made headlines last year when he was charged with a felony for engaging in unlawful sexual activity with an 18-year-old student on February 1, 2024. According to the lawsuit, however, the allegations against him date back even further, spanning several months of misconduct supposedly facilitated by ACA during organized trips and other school events.

Citing specific incidents, the legal documents reveal that Ingle allegedly engaged in inappropriate one-on-one meetings with Jane Doe, activities that included early morning workouts, private conversations in his office, and questionable eating situations during school functions. The lawsuit raises concerns about the environment within ACA, claiming that the alleged grooming began when Jane Doe was just in the 7th or 8th grade, a disturbing revelation that adds another layer to the situation.

Failure to Act?

As the allegations unravel, key figures in the school administration have been named in the lawsuit, including former head of school William George, former associate head of school Wade Tapp, and former teachers Taylor Bell and Alexis Zanias. The lawsuit accuses these individuals and others involved at ACA of failing to fulfill their legal obligations to report the misconduct, investigate it, or take any disciplinary action against Ingle. Instead, the lawsuit suggests that the ACA staff may have worked to cover up the unfolding abuse.

We can’t help but wonder how the school might have missed red flags. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office stepped in to investigate the claims, leading to an ACA employee being placed on leave in April 2024 due to the inquiries. Following Ingle’s arrest, it was reported that both William George and Wade Tapp exited their positions at the academy, raising eyebrows and curiosity about what really went on behind closed doors.

The Academy’s Response

Meanwhile, the ACA Board of Directors has expressed commitment to address the lawsuit thoroughly. They emphasized their objective of maintaining a safe environment for all students, which undoubtedly is a priority for any educational institution. It certainly can’t be easy for the school community to grapple with this disheartening news, especially when they are still trying to recover from a whopping $15 million in damages incurred due to Hurricane Helene just last fall.

The unfolding situation has understandably sparked a wave of conversations within the Asheville community. Parents, students, and teachers alike are left wondering how these serious allegations could affect their cherished institution. With the lawsuit’s allegations now public, many are hopeful that the truth will come to light and that those affected will find some sense of justice.

A Tough Road Ahead

As the legal process unfolds, it’s clear we’re just at the beginning of a challenging journey for both Jane Doe and the Asheville Christian Academy. The emotional toll of such accusations is immense, and healing will take time. For now, the community watches closely, hoping for transparency and accountability as this case develops.

Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this developing story, because one thing is for sure—this situation is sure to evolve, and many voices are ready to be heard.