Asheville Christian Academy Faces Lawsuit Over Coach Allegations

News Summary

Asheville Christian Academy is under scrutiny following a civil lawsuit alleging sexual abuse involving a former coach. The accusations involve failure to act on allegations by school officials and continue to raise questions about the academy’s oversight and culture. The legal troubles began after former coach Samuel Jason Ingle was arrested on felony charges. Leadership changes are ongoing, with community members demanding transparency and accountability regarding student safety.

Asheville Christian Academy in Hot Water Over Coach Allegations

Asheville, a charming city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is currently facing a serious storm. Asheville Christian Academy (ACA) has been hit with a civil lawsuit that’s making headlines and raising many eyebrows in the community. The lawsuit is tied to allegations of sexual abuse involving a former coach, Samuel Jason Ingle, which has turned a spotlight on the school’s handling of such sensitive matters.

Legal Actions Unfolding

The situation came to a head when Ingle, who was not just a coach but also the dean of spiritual formation at the academy, was charged with a felony in June 2024. The charge surfaced after it was alleged that he engaged in sexual activity with an 18-year-old student, known in court documents as “Jane Doe.” This alarming accusation has led to a civil lawsuit filed on January 9, 2025, targeting not just Ingle but also the school and several employees who are accused of failing to act on the accusations.

The lawsuit cites Asheville Christian Academy, Inc., alongside a number of former staff members including William George, who served as the head of the school, Taylor Bell, the former director of social, emotional and spiritual care, and Wade Tapp, the former associate head of school and head of Upper School. The allegations suggest that these individuals, among others, did not take the necessary steps to protect the student from ongoing abuse.

Alarming Allegations

It’s been reported that the lawsuit claims ACA employees “unconscionably allowed” the alleged abuse to continue without intervention. The accusation goes even further, stating that staff members actively participated in a cover-up that included grooming, sexual exploitation, and ultimately, the abuse of Jane Doe. This shocking revelation raises serious questions about the culture and oversight at the academy.

As the story unfolds, details continue to emerge. Ingle was initially placed on administrative leave in April 2024 as investigations by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office got underway. He was subsequently arrested on June 6, 2024, after authorities found enough evidence to charge him with engaging in a sexual act with the student as early as February 1, 2024. According to arrest warrants, Ingle allegedly acted unlawfully and with intent to exploit the student.

Leadership Changes and Continued Fallout

In the aftermath of these grave allegations, the leadership at ACA has seen significant changes. Following Ingle’s arrest, William George and Wade Tapp have both stepped down from their roles within the academy. It raises concern about what steps are being taken to ensure student safety moving forward, as neither George nor Tapp is currently listed on the ACA’s staff website.

The academy faces scrutiny not only from the recent civil lawsuit but also from community members looking for answers. Parents and guardians will undoubtedly be monitoring this situation closely, eager for transparency and a commitment to ensuring the safety of their children.

Seeking Additional Voices

In a move to uncover the full extent of the issue, the Lanier Law Group, P.A., which filed the civil lawsuit, is actively seeking out witnesses or other victims who may have knowledge of similar alleged sexual assaults. This call for information suggests that there could be more layers to this unfolding story and raises the possibility that Jane Doe is not alone in her experience.

In light of the developments at Asheville Christian Academy, the community is left grappling with the implications of these allegations and what they mean for the future of the school. As the legal proceedings advance, more information will likely come to light, as everyone hopes for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all students involved.

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Additional Resources

• WLOS: Asheville Christian Academy Faces Civil Lawsuit
• Christian Post: Christian School Dean Charged
• NC Newsline: Federal Court Ruling on Title IX Changes
• Erie News Now: Lawsuit Over Alleged Sexual Abuse Cover-Up
• Google Search: Asheville Christian Academy lawsuit