Gastonia, January 21, 2026
Authorities in Gastonia have arrested Jashon Jeffries, a 21-year-old volunteer wrestling coach at Grier Middle School, after he faced multiple serious charges of sexual misconduct with a 14-year-old student. Jeffries has been charged with statutory rape, statutory sex offense, and sexual acts with a student. He was ordered to be held without bond after admitting to some allegations in court. The incidents allegedly occurred in December, and Jeffries is scheduled to appear in court again in February.
Gastonia – Authorities have announced the arrest of a volunteer wrestling coach from Grier Middle School in Gastonia, who is now facing multiple serious charges related to alleged sexual misconduct with a 14-year-old student. Jashon Jeffries, 21, was arrested on Monday and appeared in court on Tuesday, where he was ordered to be held without bond.
The charges against Jeffries include 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. Prosecutors stated in court that Jeffries admitted to the alleged encounters and also confessed to recording them. Police are currently examining his cellphone for these recordings.
Details of the Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The alleged incidents are reported to have taken place in December of last year, involving a 14-year-old student from Grier Middle School where Jeffries served as a volunteer wrestling coach. The court documents indicate that there were multiple encounters. Following his arrest on Monday, Jeffries faced a judge on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The judge cited recent changes in state law regarding presumptive holds in certain situations and stated that the charges are expected to be bound over to Superior Court.
Jeffries is currently being held at the Gaston County jail under no bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 10. Court records indicate that Jeffries has no prior criminal history.
Coach’s Background and School’s Response
Beyond his volunteer coaching role, Jeffries was also employed by the U.S. Post Office at the time of his arrest and is attending UNC Pembroke on a wrestling scholarship. The school district has confirmed that Jeffries is no longer serving as a volunteer, noting that the wrestling season has concluded.
Understanding North Carolina’s Age of Consent Laws
In North Carolina, the legal age of consent for sexual activity is generally 16 years old. Statutory rape laws are designed to protect minors who are legally presumed unable to give informed consent to sexual activity, regardless of whether they verbally agree. Engaging in sexual activities with someone aged 15 or younger can lead to serious felony charges.
North Carolina law categorizes statutory rape offenses based on the victim’s age and the age difference between the involved parties. For instance, engaging in sexual activities with a child aged 15 or younger is a Class B1 felony if the defendant is at least 12 years old and six years older than the child, carrying significant penalties. There are some “Romeo-and-Juliet” exceptions in North Carolina law for consensual sexual activities between minors who are close in age, generally within a four-year age gap and when the younger partner is at least 12. However, these exceptions do not typically apply in cases with a significant age disparity, such as between a 21-year-old and a 14-year-old. It is also important to note that parental consent does not override North Carolina’s age of consent laws; sexual activity with a minor under 16 remains illegal even with parental permission.
The community remains alert as the legal process unfolds in this significant case.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Who was arrested in Gastonia?
- Jashon Jeffries, a 21-year-old volunteer wrestling coach at Grier Middle School in Gastonia, was arrested.
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What are the charges against Jashon Jeffries?
- He is charged with 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.
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What is the age of the alleged victim?
- The alleged victim is a 14-year-old student.
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Where did the alleged incidents occur?
- The alleged incidents took place in December of last year, involving a student from Grier Middle School.
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What is Jashon Jeffries’ bond status?
- He is currently being held under no bond.
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When is his next court date?
- Jashon Jeffries is scheduled to return to court on February 10.
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Has Jashon Jeffries admitted to the allegations?
- Prosecutors stated in court that Jeffries admitted to the alleged encounters and to recording them.
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What is the legal age of consent in North Carolina?
- The legal age of consent in North Carolina is generally 16 years old.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Detail | Scope of Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Charged | Jashon Jeffries, 21 years old | Local (Gastonia) |
| Role | Volunteer Wrestling Coach at Grier Middle School | Local (Gastonia) |
| Location of Event | Gastonia, North Carolina | Local (Gastonia) |
| Victim Age | 14-year-old student | Local (Gastonia) |
| Primary Charges | Statutory rape of a child less than 15, statutory sex offense with a minor, sexual act with a student | Local (Gastonia) |
| Current Custody Status | Held under no bond at Gaston County jail | Local (Gastonia) |
| Next Court Date | February 10 | Local (Gastonia) |
| Legal Age of Consent | Generally 16 years old | State-level (North Carolina) |
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