Matthew Carrington, an assistant coach with North Central High School and the Washington Township Swim Club, was arrested on Thursday on a charge of “Child Seduction,” according to Indiana state records.
The full charge involves an allegation of “care worker engages in fondling or touching w/child 16-17 years” according to the more specific charge, and is considered a Felony 6 in the state of Indiana.
Felony 6’s in the state of Indiana carry a prison sentence of between 6 months and 2 1/2 years, with an “advisory sentence” of one year.
The specific charge reads in the Indiana statutes as:
If a person who is at least 18 years of age and is the child care worker for a child at least sixteen (16) years of age but less than eighteen (18) years of age; engages with the child in sexual intercourse, deviate sexual conduct (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-94), or any fondling or touching with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or the adult, the person commits child seduction.
The news comes just days before the Indiana High School boys’ state championship meet is set to begin. Carrington has numerous coaching stops on his resume, including at the Danville Swim Team, the Scottsdale Aquatic Club, and the Southeastern Swim Club.
An archived version of the Washington Township website shows that Carrington was listed as the head age group coach at the club until at least February 24th. He has since been removed from the team’s website.
According to Indianapolis’ wthr.com, Carrington was arrested after a 16-year old student’s mother discovered text messages that are alleged to contain explicit and sexual language between her and Carrington.
The girl later alleged that Carrington touched her inappropriately at school on at least two occasions.
A no contact order was issued to Carrington, and his initial hearing is scheduled for 9 AM on Friday morning. His bond price was set at $5,000.