News Summary
Asheville Christian Academy is in turmoil as former coach Samuel Jason Ingle faces felony sex charges involving an 18-year-old student. As a grand jury moves forward, community outrage intensifies following allegations of misconduct and a civil lawsuit filed against the academy for failing to intervene. The arrest has raised serious concerns regarding student safety and the school’s accountability.
Former Coach Indicted in Asheville Sexual Abuse Case
Asheville is currently grappling with a shocking situation as former Asheville Christian Academy coach, Samuel Jason Ingle, has recently been indicted on felony sex charges involving a student. The community is left reeling after accusations surfaced concerning Ingle’s alleged inappropriate conduct with an 18-year-old student in 2024.
Charges Against Ingle
It all began with a Buncombe County grand jury taking a closer look at the evidence against Ingle. The findings led to an indictment on two counts of engaging in a sexual act with a student, a serious matter that has sparked outrage among residents and parents alike. As a former dean of spiritual formation, Ingle seemed to have held a position of trust, which makes the allegations all the more troubling.
Ingle’s legal troubles don’t end here, as he is set to appear for an arraignment next week. The community is watching closely, eager for accountability in a situation that has captured headlines and parental concern.
Suit Filed Against the Academy
In addition to Ingle’s criminal charges, a civil lawsuit has also been filed against Asheville Christian Academy on behalf of a student referred to as “Jane Doe”. The lawsuit, which came to light on January 9, 2025, accuses the school of failing to report or intervene in the alleged sexual abuse. The claim includes several notable defendants, such as the former head of school and others who were allegedly complicit in covering up the situation.
According to the lawsuit, Ingle began his predatory behavior by “grooming” the plaintiff, giving her special attention in a bid to lower her inhibitions. This unsettling tactic supposedly included meeting the student for workouts under suspicious circumstances and spending time alone in his car.
Cover-Up Allegations
The lawsuit paints a grim picture of how staff members at Asheville Christian Academy allowed the misconduct to continue unchecked. It alleges that Ingle’s behavior persisted for months, even during school-organized trips. One specific incident during a school trip to Greece was highlighted, where another student discovered Jane Doe’s journal. The journal contained entries detailing her sexual relationship with Ingle, leading to a report to the school staff.
Rather than effectively addressing the allegations, it is claimed that the director of social, emotional, and spiritual care at the school attempted to downplay the situation, suggesting Ingle was simply taking a leave of absence for emotional recovery rather than acknowledging the severity of the matter. This has raised serious questions about how the school addressed—or failed to address—allegations against their staff.
Community Response
The community’s reaction to these events has been one of disbelief and anger. Numerous parents and residents are calling for thorough investigations and appropriate action to ensure that student safety is prioritized moving forward. Many feel that the school’s administration should be held accountable for allowing such a grievous situation to unfold under their watch.
Ingle’s arrest, which came after a lengthy investigation initiated by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office in April 2024, has raised serious concerns about how effectively educational institutions safeguard their students against abuse. The swift exit of key figures at the academy following the allegations has only fueled speculation about what truly transpired behind closed doors.
Looking Ahead
As the case unfolds, the tight-knit Asheville community must reckon with the impact of these allegations. Both the criminal charges and civil lawsuit reflect a pressing need for transparency and accountability in educational institutions. The academy has released a statement outlining their commitment to student safety, but many are left wondering if that commitment was truly upheld. For now, the city holds its breath as they await further developments and strive to ensure a safe environment for all students.
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Additional Resources
- WLOS: Former Coach Indicted in Asheville Sexual Abuse Case
- The Wartburg Watch: Asheville Christian Academy Lawsuit
- Ministry Watch: Asheville Christian Academy Negligence Suit
- Christian Post: Lawsuit Against Christian School in NC
- Google Search: Asheville Christian Academy Samuel Jason Ingle
