GASTON COUNTY ,N.C. — A volunteer wrestling coach is accused of recording himself raping a 14-year-old student, Gaston County Schools said.
Jashon Jefferies, 21, of Gastonia, was arrested on Monday and faces the following charges: Two counts of statutory rape of a child less than 15, one count of statutory sex offense with a minor, and two counts of a sexual act with a student, Gaston County Police said.
Jeffries was a volunteer coach at Grier Middle School last year who is no longer with the district.
He faced a judge Tuesday and is currently being held at the Gaston County jail under no bond.
It’s still not clear if any of the acts occurred on campus, but police said there were multiple encounters with the middle-school girl.
Jefferies proudly posted pictures of himself with wrestlers at Grier Middle School.
Police are now searching his cellphone for recordings he reportedly made of inappropriate acts with a female student from the same Gastonia school.
His attorney told the judge he was also working at the post office.
“No prior criminal history at this time,” said Rick Beam, Jefferies’ defense attorney. “Attending UNC Pembroke on a wrestling scholarship.”
Beam said he spoke to his client Monday as police developed charges for statutory rape of a child and sex act with a student.
Prosecutors said the girl told Gaston County Police about the incidents.
“This was on multiple occasions,” said prosecutor Stephanie Hamlin.
Police then went to Jefferies about the girl’s allegations.
“The police spoke to the defendant,” Hamlin said. “He admitted that he did these things, and he also admitted to recording it.”
The charges may also impact his wrestling scholarship at UNCP and his job at the post office.
No additional details have been made available.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.