Charlotte's community faces unsettling news as former cross-country coach at a private school, Matthew Philip Elliott, was arrested on charges of sex crimes involving a student. According to WBTV, Elliott, 39, who had been working at Charlotte Country Day, is charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a student after a probable cause investigation.
Elliott, who reportedly began flirting with the victim and made "numerous advances," was arrested yesterday, following a statement issued by the victim detailing the inappropriate relationship. Before being charged with these serious allegations, Elliott served as a cross-country coach and was also filling in as a substitute in the Middle and Upper schools at the institution since 2015, as reported by WCNC.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department led the investigation, which culminated in Elliott's arrest. He was booked into the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office and released on a $10,000 bond the next morning. In a letter to the families, Interim head of school David Mancos conveyed that Elliott had been placed on administrative leave upon the surfacing of the allegations and was subsequently terminated. He emphasized the commitment to student safety and well-being, reassuring that school counselors were at hand to support students during this challenging period, as detailed by WBTV.
Elliott was taken into custody after the relationship, initially started with flirtatious behaviors, developed into an ongoing unacceptable liaison. Interestingly, no other incidents involving Elliott have been reported at Charlotte Country Day, as per the school's statement. With the investigation still ongoing, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police encourage anyone with information to contact CMPD Det. Wyatt or refer to Crime Stoppers for anonymous submissions. Elliott's social media accounts validate his coaching role at the school, though further confirmation and statements remain pending, according to WCCB Charlotte.
