School administrator, coach dodges jail time after pleading guilty to sexual misconduct with student

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina/Gray News) - Officials in North Carolina said a former coach at a Christian academy pleaded guilty on Monday to committing sexual misconduct with a student.

The Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office said deputies started the investigation in early 2024 after reports of inappropriate conduct involving a student at Asheville Christian Academy.

The inappropriate conduct took place while 53-year-old Samuel Jason Ingle was a coach and administrator at the school.

Deputies said Ingle was placed in the Buncombe County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond in June 2024.

Ingle pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the investigation and was sentenced to a suspended 120-day prison term and probation for 18 months.

He must also register as a sex offender for 30 years.