Former track coach charged with indecent liberties with a student

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said detectives arrested and charged Matthew Elliott, 39, a former high school track coach, on Wednesday with two counts of indecent liberties with a student.

On Friday, an adult victim reported to police that she had been in an inappropriate relationship with her former cross-country coach while enrolled at Charlotte Country Day School.

The victim said that the coach was Elliot, CMPD said.

CMPD’s Sexual Assault Unit took over the case.

The victim said Elliot started to flirt with her and made numerous advances and that they had an inappropriate relationship.

There was enough probable cause to issue arrest warrants.

On Wednesday, detectives arrested Elliot at his home without incident and he was charged with the offenses, CMPD said.

In the letter to parents and alumni, the interim head of the school said:

“Dear Charlotte Country Day School Community,

We are reaching out to inform you of a recent disturbing development concerning an employee.

Cross Country and Track & Field coach, Matt Elliott, was arrested yesterday by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and charged with taking indecent liberties with a student. The charges against Mr. Elliott allege that he engaged in misconduct with one of our alums when that alum was an Upper School student at our school within the last few years.

Promptly after learning of the allegations, I followed the school’s existing protocols, which included placing Mr. Elliott on administrative leave and contacting law enforcement. Mr. Elliott’s employment with the school has since been terminated, and he is barred from our campuses. The school is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

Mr. Elliott was employed at the school beginning in 2015, primarily as a coach and, most recently, as a substitute in Middle and Upper School. We have not received other reports of misconduct about Mr. Elliott from other alums or current students. However, should anyone in our community have any information you wish to share, please refer to the contact listed in the CMPD press release: (704) 334-1600.

We understand that this news is difficult, and we are here to support students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff. We know how deeply you care about your children’s safety, and their well-being remains our highest priority. Our school counselors are available to talk with students and provide guidance during this time. If your child would like to speak with someone, please reach out to the appropriate divisional counselor.

We thank you for your trust and understanding as we continue to prioritize a safe, caring environment for all.”

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office has him in custody. A judge will likely hear his case on Thursday.

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