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The head boy’s basketball coach at Hickory High School is in jail accused of statutory rape and sex offense with a student.
Shawnacie Antoine Johnson, 38, was indicted on the charges this week, about two months after school system officials told police that a student at the high school made an “allegation of a sexual nature.”
The alleged incidents occurred from 2007 to 2009, police said in a news release.
Johnson, who lives in Conover, was hired by the Hickory Public School System in July of 2002. In addition to serving as basketball coach, he is an assistant football coach and full-time physical education teacher at Hickory High, said district spokeswoman Beverly Snowden.
Johnson was placed on paid leave on June 1 during the police investigation and a school system probe.
“Student safety is our number one priority and we are very concerned about the criminal charges involving Mr. Johnson,” district officials said in a news release. “... We will continue to work with law enforcement and assist them in any way possible.”
Police and prosecutors said Johnson could face additional charges.
Police said Johnson was being held under a $300,000 secured bond at the Catawba County Detention Center. He’s set to appear in court on Oct. 1.
