ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) –A former Asheville Christian Academy coach and administrator has pleaded guilty to a sexual offense involving a student, Buncombe County officials said.
Samuel Jason Ingle, 53, entered the plea Monday in Buncombe County Superior Court before Judge Alan Thornburg. He was sentenced to a suspended 120-day jail term and 18 months of supervised probation. Ingle also must register as a sex offender for 30 years.
The case stems from a 2024 investigation by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office following reports of inappropriate conduct with a student during Ingle’s tenure at the school. Investigators confirmed the misconduct occurred while Ingle served as a coach and administrator.
Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams said the office worked closely with the victim and the victim’s family throughout the case, in line with the North Carolina Victim Rights Act. The plea agreement and sentence were reviewed and approved by the victim’s family before sentencing.
“Our office is committed to ensuring that victims are heard and that their rights are protected under the law,” Williams said. “By securing this plea and the accompanying 30-year registration requirement, we are ensuring both accountability for the defendant and long-term notification for the community.”
The District Attorney’s Office noted that support services are available for survivors through the Family Justice Center at 828-250-6900 or the local 24-hour crisis line at 828-252-0562.