ELLSINORE — Following an investigation by law enforcement and school administration, East Carter High School business teacher/assistant baseball coach Trever Lewis has been arrested and faces multiple felony counts regarding his alleged behavior with a student.
East Carter Schools Superintendent Richard Sullivan issued a statement regarding the situation. Sullivan did not provide information regarding Lewis’ current status with the district.
“The East Carter County R-2 School District cannot provide public comment about specific personnel matters, out of respect for the privacy of our students and staff and in accordance with state and federal law,” he said. “The district can confirm, however, that it recently received a report regarding allegations of staff misconduct and that our administration took immediate action in response to protect the safety of our campus.”
According to the probable cause affidavit that was filed with the court, the East Carter County School system made contact with law enforcement May 3 regarding a complaint that Lewis had allegedly sent inappropriate pictures to a high school student.
Ellsinore Chief of Police Kelly Hampton responded to the school and spoke with Superintendent Richard Sullivan, who explained the high school principal, Matt Stahl, and middle school principal, Corey Jameson, had been investigating the issue.
Stahl explained he had received information that Lewis had sent pictures of his naked body to a 17-year-old high school student. The affidavit alleges there were multiple photos of that nature where Lewis was in various states of undress, but had his genitals covered in one way or another.
One such photo allegedly depicted Lewis in bed and contained a caption that read “to remind me how comfy the bed was.”
According to the affidavit, throughout the course of the investigation, school officials and law enforcement were able to collect several photos and text messages. At one point, police requested the juvenile’s mother give consent to seize the girl’s phone to gather evidence.
The affidavit goes on to state the juvenile had reportedly been under much distress regarding the situation and had become afraid to go to school because Lewis would be there.
Lewis has been served a warrant and faces charges of first degree felony stalking; and felony abuse/neglect of a child, no sexual contact.
Lewis was taken into custody and a bond was set at $10,000 cash or surety. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance in court at 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 28, in the Carter County Circuit Court in Van Buren.
Sullivan said in his statement the district continues to cooperate with local law enforcement and state agencies in their ongoing investigations and will continue to monitor this situation to see if additional actions are warranted.
“As demonstrated by our board policies and practice, the district is steadfastly committed to providing an inclusive and safe environment for all of our students and staff,” he said. “The district promptly investigates complaints when received and takes remedial measures in response. We encourage students and families to bring any concerns to our attention so they may be addressed appropriately.”
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EDITOR'S NOTE: This story has been updated to include an official statement from East Carter Schools Superintendent Richard Sullivan.
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