Private Christian school coach accused of sex act with student

Asheville, North Carolina

A private Christian school coach in North Carolina is facing serious allegations after being accused of engaging in a sex act with a student. Samuel Jason Ingle, 51, was arrested and charged with a felony, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.

Allegations and Arrest

Arrest warrants state that the incident involving Ingle took place on February 1, 2024, while he was working as a coach at Asheville Christian Academy. The accusations claim that Ingle “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously” participated in a sex act with an 18-year-old student from the school.

In April, an employee at Asheville Christian Academy was placed on leave as the sheriff’s office launched an investigation into the matter. Dr. William George, the head of school for ACA, addressed the situation in a statement, confirming that the staff member involved was on leave and had not been on campus during the investigation.

School’s Response

Amid the ongoing investigation, multiple social media posts featuring Ingle were discovered on ACA’s accounts. However, as of Friday, Ingle’s name no longer appears on the school’s website under the staff and faculty section.

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office reported that Ingle is currently being held at the Buncombe County Detention Facility on a $10,000 secured bond. He made his first court appearance on Friday.

In a communication sent to parents and families of Asheville Christian Academy on Friday, a spokesperson shared the school’s response to the situation. The letter informed them of Ingle’s arrest and assured them that his employment had been terminated immediately, even though his contract was not set to be renewed for the upcoming school year.

Commitment to Student Safety

The school emphasized its commitment to the safety and well-being of its students, stating that any misconduct is a direct violation of their mission and values. ACA’s leadership team is actively working to address the situation and ensure the best way forward for the school and its community.

Furthermore, Asheville Christian Academy expressed deep sadness over the incident and requested prayers for all those involved. The school stated that it would continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the investigation progresses.

Enhancing Policies

Over the past year, ACA has taken steps to enhance its policies regarding student safety, with plans to regularly review and improve these policies as needed in collaboration with legal counsel.

Conclusion

The allegations against Samuel Jason Ingle, a private Christian school coach, have sent shockwaves through Asheville Christian Academy and the local community. As the investigation continues, the school remains focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of its students, while addressing the incident with transparency and integrity.