NEW HANOVER COUNTY –– A former high school volleyball coach for New Hanover County Schools has been arrested for alleged sex crimes against minors in the 1980s.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office charged Ronnie Lynn Strickland, 67, Monday with two counts of sexual activity by a custodian, a crime where an adult engages in a sexual act with a minor.
Wilmington police said in a news release two people accused Strickland, a retired teacher for the district, of having inappropriate relationships with them when they were 16 in 1982-83 and he was the volleyball coach at Hoggard High. Strickland turned himself into the county courthouse Monday afternoon, according to the police department.
In a statement, NHCS said it received a tip through social media and “acted immediately,” relieving Strickland of his duties earlier this year.
“I am committed to doing everything we can to keep children safe. New Hanover County Schools is cooperating fully with law enforcement,” NHCS Superintendent Dr. Charles Foust said in a statement. “Identification of abuse is the first step to strengthening our prevention efforts. We will report and investigate all allegations. Each student should feel that they are safe when they come to school and we hold all of our educators accountable to upholding that standard. The district will not tolerate inappropriate conduct with a student.”
A crisis response team is available for students and staff starting Tuesday, April 13, according to NHCS.
This is a developing story. Port City Daily will update this article as more information become available.
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