North Central High School swim coach charged with child seduction
A North Central High School assistant swim coach accused of having a sexual relationship with a student is now facing criminal charges.
Matthew Carrington, 36, was charged Thursday in Marion County with one count of felony child seduction.
The investigation into Carrington began Tuesday when the mother of 16-year-old North Central student contacted police about inappropriate text messages that were being sent to her daughter, court documents state.
The mother told police that a setting on her phone allows her to occasionally receive texts sent to her daughter.
In the series of messages that began just before 9 p.m. Monday, a person named "Matt" is listed as the other person in the exchange.
The 16-year-old's parents advised police that "Matt" was Carrington, a coach for the swim team and swim club at the high school, documents state.
The text messages transcript included in court documents show "Matt" and the student making plans to have sex.
Investigators then spoke to the student, who described Carrington as a father figure she could speak to when she was stressed, court documents state. He had been coaching her for a year and a half.
The student said they would frequently text, but the nature of the messages began to change in August or September 2014, court documents state.
She added that the sexual texts began around December 2014. The student told police she allowed the behavior because she did not want to lose Carrington.
Court documents state that after pressure from Carrington, they began to exchange nude photos as well.
The student told police the only physical contact happened in the control room of the high school when Carrington touched the student's genitals, court documents state. The student said after Carrington touched her she moved his hand and left the room.
Officials from the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township told police Carrington started working for the district in December 2012 as a lay coach for the swim team. He held the same position for the 2014/2015 winter swimming season.
Carrington's employment was terminated Tuesday in light of the allegations and he will not be permitted to serve as a volunteer.
Fox59 reports that the school district issued the following statement regarding Carrington's arrest.
"As a school district we take interactions of all staff, inclusive of lay coaches, with our students very seriously. Additionally, we train our coaching staff on our expectations, inclusive of communications, at the start of each athletic season in accordance with our School Board Policy #4213. Student safety and welfare continue to be our priority."
Police contacted Carrington regarding the investigation and he declined to speak without an attorney, court documents state. He is due in court Friday morning for an initial hearing.
Call Star reporter Justin L. Mack at (317) 444-6138. Follow him on Twitter: @justinlmack.