Anthony Bernard Jenkins, left, is led by Investigator Nicki Cantrell of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, out of the sheriff's office Monday afternoon. At center is Sheriff Chuck Wright.
MICHAEL JUSTUS/michael.justus@shj.com
Published: Monday, July 22, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, July 22, 2013 at 3:30 p.m.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office has arrested a private basketball coach after one of his students accused him of sexual assault.
Deputies escorted Anthony Bernard Jenkins, 50, of 265 S. High Point Road, from the sheriff's office to the Spartanburg County jail Monday afternoon after interviewing him, charging him with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
Jenkins was silent as he was led in handcuffs and shackles to a waiting car to be taken to the jail.
According to a statement from the sheriff's office, the victim, whose gender was not released, told deputies that the victim started taking basketball lessons from Jenkins at the age of 14, and that the assaults started shortly thereafter and continued until the victim turned 18.
The incidents reportedly occurred at several different locations, including Jenkins' home and the former YMCA location on South Pine Street, Sgt. Tony Brown said in the written statement. The investigation began this month and included serving a search warrant at Jenkins' house.
Brown said Jenkins trains students from all around the world and has brought students to stay at his home.
"Apparently, he is a well-sought-after private basketball coach," Sheriff Chuck Wright said.
The sheriff said he thinks there could be more victims, and he encourages them to come forward and talk with investigators. Wright said Jenkins has not been very cooperative in talking with investigators.
"This person was brave, and came forward," Wright said of the victim in the known case. "We encourage other victims to come forward. We will help you."
Jenkins, a Dorman High graduate, played at Clemson University from 1982-87. He also played professionally in Europe.
This past spring, Jenkins held tryouts for the Hub City Lakers, a first-year entrant in the semi-pro Tobacco Road Basketball League. But the team folded before ever playing a game.
In December 1991, Jenkins pleaded guilty to passing five counterfeit $100 bills at a Spartanburg nightclub. He was sentenced to three years' probation, though the federal charge doesn't show up on a search of State Law Enforcement Division records, which list state charges.
Rick Callebs, CEO of the Greater Spartanburg YMCA, said anyone who works for, or trains athletes, at the YMCA must undergo a criminal background check. Callebs said Jenkins was never employed at the YMCA.
Callebs said Jenkins was once a YMCA member and was suspected of training athletes at the facility. After staff became aware that he was training athletes there, he was told to stop, Callebs said.
"Anyone that walks in the YMCA is subject to a background check," Callebs said. "That includes members, guests, everyone."
Callebs said Jenkins is no longer a member at the YMCA.
Wright also encouraged parents to talk to their children about inappropriate behavior by adults.
"Talk to your children about good touches, bad touches and inappropriate comments," Wright said. "Make sure they know what's appropriate."
Anyone with information in the case or to report an assault may call the sheriff at 503-4502 or Sgt. Tony Brown at 503-4509.
Source: http://www.goupstate.com/article/20130722/articles/130729927
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