A former coach at Alexander Central High School maintains he did not have sex with a student at the school.
Robert Eugene Lindsay Jr., 25, of Hickory, was charged Friday with two counts of sexual activity between school personnel and a student and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a student by school personnel.
Lindsay, who was hired by Alexander Central High in March, was the wide receiver coach for the football team and the assistant coach for the woman's basketball and track teams. He also began substitute teaching for the school in August.
On Tuesday, at his attorney's office, Lindsay admitted to seeing a 16-year-old student but said he did not have sex with her.
"I've always been an honest person and owned up to what I've done," Lindsay said. "I did not have sex with her."
Lindsay's attorney is Brian Plemmons.
The law that pertains to sexual activity between school personnel and a student says it is a crime for a school employee and a student to have vaginal intercourse or engage in a "sexual act."
If the defendant is more than four years older than the victim, it's a felony. If the defendant is less than four years older than the victim, it's a misdemeanor.
"If the state is going with vaginal intercourse, we will enter a not guilty plea and ask for a fast and speedy trial," Plemmons said.
He already plans to waive the probable cause hearing in district court on Feb. 1.
Lindsay said he loved his job as coach. He earned his degree in physical education, with a minor in coaching.
"I care about all of my students, not just her," he said. "I have a lot of respect for the faculty there and had a lot of good friends there, even though I probably lost a few."
A staff member at the school notified Alexander County Schools about inappropriate text messages on Lindsay's cell phone on Dec. 1, according to Alexander County Schools Superintendent Jack Hoke. The school system conducted its own investigation and fired Lindsay on Dec. 2. It also contacted the Alexander County Sheriff's Office.
Lindsay turned himself in to authorities and was charged on Friday.
The person who notified the school system obtained Lindsay's cell phone when he wasn't present and looked through his text messages, Lindsay said.
He said the female student isn't the only student he kept in contact with.
"I talk to the football players and other students, not just her," Lindsay said, adding that he's close to those on the football team.
If convicted on some of the charges, Plemmons said Lindsay could be placed on the sex offender list. Lindsay said he doesn't feel like he belongs there.
"I don't feel like I'm that kind of person. I don't go around and prey on young girls," he said. "I never intended to do anything malicious or harmful to young girls or students."
Lindsay said he and the student were discreet with their relationship. He didn't tell anyone, and he said he doesn't think her parents knew.
"He did not intend for this relationship with this lady, and he did not manipulate her in any way," Plemmons said.
Lindsay does not have any type of criminal record, he added.
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