News Summary
The Asheville community is in turmoil following serious allegations against Asheville Christian Academy regarding a cover-up of a coach’s sexual abuse of a student. A civil lawsuit filed against the academy and its employees outlines neglect and misconduct, with a focus on the experiences of ‘Jane Doe,’ a former student. The case has caught public attention and raises critical concerns about student safety and accountability in educational institutions.
Asheville Community Faces Shocking Allegations Against Local Academy
The vibrant city of Asheville is grappling with a troubling situation as Asheville Christian Academy (ACA) is now embroiled in a civil lawsuit that has raised serious questions about the school’s alleged cover-up of a coach’s sexual abuse of a student. The lawsuit was filed on January 9, 2025, and it paints a concerning picture of neglect and misconduct that has the community in an uproar.
Details of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit claims that ACA, alongside several of its employees, failed to report and intervene in the distressing situation faced by a student, referred to as “Jane Doe.” It alleges that Samuel Jason Ingle, a former coach at ACA, engaged in sexual activities with Jane Doe, who began her journey at the school in 2016 when she was just ten years old. The alleged abuse continued until her senior year, reportedly occurring over a number of months, even during school-organized trips.
A School’s Leadership Under Fire
This lawsuit does not just call out Ingle; it also includes several other defendants connected to the academy, such as William George, the former head of school; Wade Tapp, the former associate head; Taylor Bell, who served as the director of social and emotional care; and Alexis Zanias, an upper school teacher. Together, they are accused of not only failing to protect Jane Doe but actively working to cover up the troubling conduct of Ingle.
Uncovering the Allegations
The case took a dramatic turn when Jane Doe’s personal journal, which contained entries detailing her relationship with Ingle, was discovered during a school trip to Greece. Another student alerted Taylor Bell about the troubling content of the journal, but the lawsuit suggests that Bell attempted to minimize the situation instead of taking necessary action. Ingle’s troubling behavior reportedly included giving Jane Doe special attention to lower her inhibitions, which raises alarms about how the situation could have been escalated before it came to criminal charges.
Legal Actions and Investigations
Ingle was placed on leave in March 2024, officially citing “emotional depletion,” before being arrested in June 2024 on felony charges relating to his conduct with the student. The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office has since investigated the allegations and the Academy’s response, as the community calls for accountability.
ACA’s Response to the Allegations
In the wake of these shocking claims, ACA has stated that the safety of its students is their utmost priority and that they take all allegations seriously. However, the school is facing additional challenges as they not only navigate this lawsuit but also recover from the significant destruction caused by Hurricane Helene, which struck the campus in 2024.
A Call for Justice
The Lanier Law Group, P.A. is currently representing Jane Doe and is requesting any additional witnesses or victims with pertinent information regarding the alleged misconduct to come forward. This lawsuit isn’t just about one incident; it highlights a critical need for all educational institutions to maintain a safe environment focused on protecting students and responding to misconduct as required by law.
What Lies Ahead
This unsettling situation continues to unfold, and it’s clear that the effects of these allegations will be felt across the Asheville community for years to come. As more information comes to light, it is crucial for parents, students, and educators to engage in conversations about safety, trust, and accountability in school environments.
As Asheville watches this case develop, there is a collective hope for justice, healing, and ensuring that every student feels safe within their school walls.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Asheville Community Reacts to Allegations Against Local Academy
Asheville Residents Invited to Discuss City Development Changes
Buncombe County Faces Water Contamination Challenge After Hurricane Helene
Asheville Unites in Recovery After Hurricane Helene
Asheville Community Faces Lawsuit Against Christian Academy
Asheville Community Addresses Future of Education
Asheville Christian Academy Faces Lawsuit Over Coach Allegations
Additional Resources
- WLOS: Asheville Christian Academy Faces Civil Lawsuit
- MinistryWatch: Asheville Christian Academy Sued for Negligence
- The Wartburg Watch: Asheville Christian Academy Devastated by Flooding and Lawsuit
- Christian Post: North Carolina Christian School Slapped with Lawsuit
- WLOS: Asheville Christian Academy Coach Accused of Sexual Act with Student
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
