Judge OKs contact between accused coach's attorney, victims

GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A former Gaston County wrestling coach accused of having sex with boys was back in court Tuesday.

He asked a judge to let him contact some of the alleged victims.

Scott Goins attorney said he needs to talk to wrestlers to prepare for trial.

The judge agreed as long the wrestlers are over 18 years old.
 
Tuesday's hearing also revealed new information about the case.

Goins, former wrestling coach at East Gaston High School, is charged with having sex with three wrestlers when they were minors.

According to District Attorney Locke Bell, Goins got close to at least one of them during road trips.

"The defendant and one of these young wrestlers always slept in the bed together," Bell said. "We have other of these wrestlers who said, 'Oh we always laughed about the coach and some of these victims.'"

And some said they heard their coach and accuser talking at night.

"One of them said, 'Oh I remember one night hearing one of them in bed saying, '"Let's wait until they go to sleep,"'" Bell said.

The defense attorneys said those and others are the students Goins needs to talk to so he can help his attorney with his defense.

The original bond agreement barred Goins from having any contact with past and current wrestlers.

That trial date has not been set yet.
  
The defense attorney expects the trial will be held this year.

Past Coverage:

June 6: 3rd student accuses coach of sexual abuse
June 6: Prosecutors interviewing student athletes in alleged molestation case
June 5: Police: Gaston Co. coach accused of molesting students

WSOC