A Paris high school teacher and coach has been indicted on sexual abuse charges. The alleged victim was one of his students, according to the superintendent. Some parents in the area are outraged, others question the accusations.
Outside Paris Independent High, “pride” banners line the street. But recent allegations surrounding the gym teacher and coach have brought shame to its message.
“I wouldn’t want my kids to go through nothin’ like that,” says parent, Linda Cordray.
http://liarcatchers.com/index.php
The superintendent confirms to LEX 18, Jason Earlywine has been indicted on sexual abuse in the first degree. He won’t elaborate on what happened, but says there was an incident between Earlywine and one of his students back in January 2011.
“I know this person that you’re talking about, and I know his family, and I’d like to think in all actuality that none of the allegations are true,” says Linda Wilson who’s had two kids in the high school.
The superintendent says the victim didn’t come forward with her story until November. When it was reported, Earlywine was immediately suspended without pay.
“It’s really sickening for a teacher to do that,” Cordray says.
Earlywine also works at Paris Middle School. He’s been the head coach of both girls and boys tennis since 2007 and has worked with the varsity basketball team since 2006.
School officials assure parents they are continuing to investigate.
“Ultimately the safety and protection and well being of our students is what should be at the forefront of every parent, every school board member, everyone in the Paris community, in every community,” Wilson says.
LEX 18 couldn’t reach police for comment on the investigation. We reached out to Earlywine for his side of the story, but didn’t hear back.
