Charlotte: Former Coach Arrested Over Allegations of Misconduct
A Charlotte woman has accused her former cross country coach and substitute teacher, Matthew Philip Elliott, of attempting to engage in sexual activities with her while she was a student. The allegations have led to Elliott’s arrest and charges of two counts of indecent liberties with a student.
Details of the Allegations
The accusations came to light when the woman reported the incidents to the police on November 8. According to the charges, Elliott, 39, allegedly made numerous advances toward her during her time at Charlotte Country Day School. The arrest affidavit states that the inappropriate behavior occurred in late January and February of this year.
The woman claims that Elliott kissed her on two occasions and even exposed himself to her. Furthermore, she provided evidence that they maintained frequent communication via phone calls at all hours, which highlighted the nature of their relationship. In October, she received a text message from Elliott wishing her a happy birthday, in which he declared he was still “in love” with her.
School’s Response
In response to the allegations, the school conducted an internal review. Interim Head of the School, David Mancos, shared that the school had received a report in 2023 regarding Elliott’s inappropriate behavior with another student. Following the arrest, Elliott was terminated from his position and is now prohibited from entering the campus.
Mancos communicated with parents, stating, “We have not received other reports of misconduct about Mr. Elliott from other alums or current students.” Nevertheless, he encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward. He emphasized that the school would cooperate fully with law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.
Support for Students
As the situation unfolded, Mancos made arrangements for counselors to be available to offer support to students impacted by the news. He asserted that the school followed all existing protocols once the allegations were made known, including placing Elliott on administrative leave and involving the police.
Legal Proceedings
According to court records, Elliott posted a secured bond of $10,000 following his arrest. The implications of his arrest and the surrounding scandal have raised significant concerns within the school community and the public alike.
Conclusion
As this case progresses, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in educational environments and the responsibility of institutions to protect their students. The allegations against Elliott have stimulated conversations about the safeguarding measures needed to prevent such incidents in the future.
