An Alabama high school basketball coach has been charged with sex crimes after allegedly soliciting a student to send “obscene material depicting sexual activity.” This occurred just days before she stepped down from her position leading a championship-winning team.
Paige Adams, 35, is accused of making the inappropriate request on March 16 at least twice, according to court documents obtained by WIAT-TV on Wednesday. Nine days later, she resigned as head coach of the Cold Springs High School girls basketball team.
Adams is also alleged to have sent obscene material to the student, who is under 19, at least 28 times between February 13 and March 9.
Adams is scheduled for arraignment on May 22 following her indictment on more than 30 sex crime charges, which could result in a 31-year prison sentence.
The charges encompass “engaging in a sex act or deviant sexual intercourse with a student,” sexual contact with a pupil under 19, and distributing obscene material to a student, as reported by CBS42.
Adams had been coaching the Cold Springs Eagles girls team for a year, leading them to the state championship before her resignation on March 25. The team lost to North Sand Mountain in the finals but achieved a commendable 23-11 record. Adams, an alumna of Cold Springs, had previously secured two consecutive titles in 2008 and 2009.
Her resignation followed a formal complaint received by school district superintendent Shane Barnette. “This is the first formal complaint I have received regarding this employee,” Barnette stated.
“As soon as the concern was brought forward, an investigation was immediately initiated. The employee chose to resign at that time.”
Adams was escorted off school grounds, and Barnette mentioned she left without confrontation, according to the Cullman Tribune.
“She was aware that the investigation was continuing,” he added.
Adams’ husband of 15 years, Drew, is the coach of the boys basketball team, having taken on the role in April last year.
On April 6, he filed for divorce, seeking full custody of their son, Parker.
