Sheriff investigating ex-coach’s relationship

Roane County Sheriff Jack Stockton said late last week school resource officer Jon French is looking into allegations that former Harriman High School boys basketball coach Jeff King had an inappropriate relationship with a student.

“The girl was a juvenile when these alleged offenses occurred, and she got arrested as an adult,” Stockton said late Thursday. “She got arrested for breaking into his house is what I understand.”

Sweetwater police charged former Harriman High School student Courtney Marie Thomas with breaking into King’s residence on June 3, one day after her 18th birthday.

French is a former detective who works the Harriman schools as a resource officer.

Stockton said Friday he spoke with French, and he was still looking into the allegations.

King was not invited back as Harriman’s boys basketball coach.

In a June 16 letter addressed to King, Harriman Principal Scott Cala-han said it was in the best interest of the school and the basketball program.  

King was instead transferred to Ridge View Elementary School in Rockwood.

Gary Aytes, who took over as director of schools on July 1, said last week the school system was not looking into allegations that King may have had an inappropriate relationship with a student.