Arkansas Track Coach Suspended Following Online Sting Operation
A track coach from Prescott High School in Arkansas has been removed from a meet and placed on administrative leave after being confronted in an online sting operation. The incident occurred during a track meet at Nashville High School, where the coach was accused of attempting to solicit sexual favors from an individual he believed to be a 15-year-old teenager.
Confrontation by Online Vigilante Group
The confrontation was carried out by Preds vs Prey, an online group known for targeting adults they accuse of inappropriate sexual relationships with minors. During the live Facebook broadcast, the group confronted a man identified online as a Prescott High School track coach. According to Preds vs Prey, the coach had engaged in online communications where he requested sexual favors from someone he thought was 15 years old.
In the video footage, the accused individual does not outright deny the allegations. Instead, he provides a series of changing explanations for the messages that were presented to him. The video concludes with the man calling the team's head coach on his cell phone, stating, 'I need you to come down here. I'll explain to you when you get here.'
School District's Immediate Response
Although the individual was named in online posts, the Prescott School District has not publicly identified him in their official statements about the incident. Superintendent Larry Smith confirmed to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that the person works in the district's alternative learning center and coaches both track and football.
The district issued a statement on April 8 via their Facebook page, emphasizing that 'The safety and wellbeing of our students is always our first concern.' The statement explained that administration became aware of the social media post from the track meet and immediately removed the staff member from the premises.
'Once administration was made aware, the staff member was immediately removed from the premises, taken home by the District SRO, and notified that they were not to return until a meeting could be held this morning with the District Superintendent,' the statement read.
Investigation and Ongoing Developments
A meeting was conducted on the morning of April 8, resulting in the employee being removed from campus pending resolution of the matter. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with the Daily Mail having reached out to the district for further updates.
According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the 15-year-old girl who allegedly received messages from the accused coach attends a different school district. The Prescott statement noted, 'At this time, we are not aware of any of our students being involved, but that does not decrease the seriousness of the accusation or the need to be fully investigated.'
The district emphasized limitations in sharing information due to personnel matters, stating they would release additional statements when possible. Prescott, a city of approximately 3,100 residents located in Arkansas' southwest corner, is known as the birthplace of former NBA player and coach Paul Silas.
Prescott's Athletic Legacy
Prescott High School has established itself as a local track and field powerhouse. The Prescott High School Curley Wolves have demonstrated particular dominance in track, having secured their 15th state title in the sport just two years ago. This incident has cast a shadow over the program's otherwise successful reputation.
The situation continues to develop as authorities investigate the serious allegations against the suspended coach while the school district maintains its focus on student safety and wellbeing throughout the process.
