Prosecutors contend Kyle Cox is too dangerous to be released

Federal prosecutors have filed an appeal of a judge's decision to allow former Park Tudor basketball coach Kyle Cox to live with his parents while his case is pending, arguing that he sexually exploited a student, then tried to use other students to "trash her reputation."

The motion to revoke Monday's release order argues that Cox is dangerous and should be jailed until his case goes to trial. The document details a conversation by text message between Cox and a male student in which they celebrated the student's assault of Cox's alleged victim.

Cox was arrested Thursday and is facing one count of coercion and enticement, which carries a possible punishment of 10 years to life in prison. A criminal complaint accuses him of persuading a 15-year-old student at Park Tudor School to send him explicit text messages.

He appeared in federal court Monday afternoon for a detention hearing at which Magistrate Judge Debra McVicker Lynch ordered that he live at his parents' Henry County home under electronic monitoring until his case is resolved.

Prosecutors, though, are asking a U.S. District judge to overrule the decision. Their motion describes Cox as a sexual predator who, as a coach at a prestigious private school, "groomed a student, and involved other students in his scheme."

Prosecutors also argue that Cox has tried to obstruct the police investigation.

When Cox was forced to resign his position at Park Tudor, he messaged a student and encouraged him to make the girl's life at school difficult, the motion argues. He also tried to persuade the girl to lie for him by telling authorities that she took his iPad from his office and planted explicit messages on it, the criminal complaint says.

"He will enlist others, including those he has victimized, to avoid exposure and possible punishment," the motion says.

The motion includes a transcript of text messages between Cox and the male student that describe the student assaulting the alleged victim and another girl.

The student texted Cox that he grabbed the alleged victim by the neck and threw her to the ground when she grabbed his phone as he was texting Cox. When another girl picked up the phone after it dropped, the student told Cox, he threw her to the ground as well.

"It would have been pretty epic if you would have caused a concussion lol," Cox texted back.

Cox will remain jailed until the judge rules on the appeal.

Did Park Tudor officials violate state law?

Call IndyStar reporter Madeline Buckley at (317) 444-6083. Follow her on Twitter: @Mabuckley88.