Affidavit: Teacher, coach accused in sex assault sought student’s help in gym

A Liberty High School science teacher and boys basketball coach accused of sexual assault was allegedly engaged in a relationship with a female student who he often requested help him in the gym, according to court documents.

Travis Clark, 32, was arrested July 7 on suspicion of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust. He is free on a $25,000 bond.

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He was arrested after a four-month investigation into allegations that he was having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student who since has turned 18.

Two friends of the victim went to a staff member to express concerns about the victim and Clark. The friends told police that Clark asked the victim three different times to help him with basketball equipment in the gym.

According to court documents, the first time the victim went to the gym to assist Clark, nothing happened. The second time, Clark allegedly flirted with her, placed post-it notes with inappropriate sayings on her butt, and put his hand down the back of her pants, according to court documents. Clark also kept asking her to reach things off a shelf that required her to walk in front of him in a tight space so he could look at her.

The victim reported that she told him to stop and he would. She also reported that Clark  apologized and asked for the interactions to be kept secret.

Clark and the girl also sent text messages back and forth — 250 between Feb. 21 and Feb. 25.

According to court documents, one relation of the victim claimed that she and Clark were having oral sex.

Investigators also obtained video surveillance from the gym showing the victim leaving the basketball supply area while buttoning her blouse and adjusting her skirt, the affidavit says.

Source : gazette