An ex-high school football coach is on trial for allegedly maintaining a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old student, ABC 7 first reported Thursday.
Cole Underwood, 29, is accused of having sex with the freshman girl multiple times, according to ABC 7. She told Ochiltree County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) Chief Deputy Wayne Floyd that they had sex 13 to 14 times between February and May, the outlet reported. These incidents occurred after hours at Perryton High School, the complaint reportedly read.
At a federal court preliminary examination and detention hearing on Wednesday, FBI officials alleged Underwood wanted to marry and run away with the girl, identified in court documents as Jane Doe, the outlet reported. (RELATED: Former Middle School Teacher Admits Sexually Assaulting 14-Year-Old Student)
According to the FBI, Underwood has a history of inappropriate relationship with students.https://t.co/KvOW5d8VGw
— ABC 7 Amarillo (@ABC7Amarillo) June 13, 2024
Federal Judge Lee Ann Reno has refused Underwood bail while also deciding authorities possessed sufficient evidence of enticement and attempted enticement of a minor to have a grand jury weigh in, according to ABC 7.
FBI Special Agent Nathan Newland reportedly testified in court that Underwood allegedly thinks “it’s God’s divine plan for them to be together.”
Prosecutors supplied the court with a photocopy of a letter the FBI alleged that Jane Doe attempted to mail to the suspect’s mother the same day Underwood was arrested, according to the outlet.
The FBI alleged that Underwood instructed Jane Doe to write that she was sorry for the problems the couple’s love had caused and that the two wished to be married and depart Perryton, ABC 7 reported.
Underwood, who allegedly initiated the relationship with the minor when she was in junior high school, was first arrested for the alleged sexual assaults April 25, according to the outlet.
The conditions of Underwood’s bond after the initial arrest reportedly stated he should have no contact with Jane Doe. The FBI alleged that he secretly gave her a phone and that the pair continued to communicate via TikTok and an encrypted messenger, ABC 7 reported.
The FBI is also currently searching for alleged nude photos Jane Doe reportedly said they sent each other through Snapchat.
In court Wednesday, Underwood’s mother, Linda, testified that her son told her he and Jane Doe were soulmates who loved each other and hoped to be together forever, ABC 7 reported.
The FBI testified that there may be more alleged victims the bureau should interview who have come forward after the arrest, according to the outlet.