Asheville Christian Academy Sued Over Alleged Failure to Report Coach’s Sexual Abuse of Student

A lawsuit against Asheville Christian Academy, alleging negligence in failing to report and intervene in a sexual abuse situation involving a student, was filed on January 10 in Buncombe County, North Carolina. The plaintiff, identified in the complaint as Jane Doe, enrolled at the academy in 2016 at age 10. The alleged sexual activity took place during her senior year.

The lawsuit accuses former coach Samuel Jason Ingle of sexual activity with the student. Ingle was charged with a felony in June 2024, according to reporting by KEYT. The suit names the school as a defendant, along with William George, the founder and former head of school; Taylor Bell, described as “director of social, emotional and spiritual care”; Wade Tapp, a former associate head of school; Alexis Zanias, an upper school teacher; and Ingle, described as the former coach and “dean of spiritual formation.” The complaint says Ingle was Doe’s track coach and began grooming her, including “showing her special attention” in order to lower her inhibitions.

According to the lawsuit, the school’s staff “unconscionably allowed this egregious and outrageous conduct to continue” without taking steps to report, intervene, investigate, discipline, pursue criminal charges, or otherwise protect the plaintiff. The suit states that Ingle’s behavior “was not hidden” and that staff were aware of his conduct toward Doe and failed to act. It further asserts that school staff worked together to cover up the alleged abuse. These are claims made in the lawsuit and have not been proven in court. Protecting students from those who hold positions of trust over them is the duty the complaint says was neglected (Proverbs 31:8-9).

The complaint also describes events on a school trip to Greece. According to the lawsuit, another student allegedly found Doe’s personal journal, which contained entries about her relationship with Ingle. That student reportedly told Bell, who allegedly tried “to downplay or cover-up” Ingle’s actions. These allegations are not yet established.

On March 24, the school sent an email to families saying Ingle would take a leave of absence to “rest and recover from the inherent emotional depletion associated with his pastoral and counseling responsibilities.” The lawsuit’s account of the school’s response, as reported, contrasts with that announcement.

After Ingle’s arrest in June 2024, Asheville Christian Academy released a statement saying, “We want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We take any allegations seriously. Any misconduct is a glaring violation of our school’s mission and core values.” The statement added, “We are deeply saddened by this situation and are praying for all involved.”

George served as head of school until July 2024. According to his LinkedIn profile, he now works as an educational consultant.

Source: Read the original report