John Chandler Caldwell
University of Mount Olive officials announced Thursday that cross country coach John Chandler Caldwell has been placed on administrative leave, effective immediately.
That announcement comes of the heels of news that Caldwell is facing charges in Gaston County for allegedly having sex with a 17-year-old high school student.
“The University of Mount Olive has recently been made aware of allegations against Coach Chandler Caldwell,” according to a brief statement from UMO.
Court documents show Chandler, 30, was indicted Wednesday in Gaston County on multiple indecent liberties and sex acts with the juvenile. The incidents occurred between Aug. 27, 2018 to April 30, 2019.
The two met at a party they both attended, the records note.
Authorities released Caldwell on a $50,000 unsecured bond. He is prohibited to have contact with the student and her family, and cannot have contact with female athletes under age 18.
In mid-April of 2023, Caldwell was named the new cross country coach at the University of Mount Olive. He served as head cross country and track and field coach at Louisburg College in 2022. He directed the same programs at Athens Drive High School.
He participated in the 2021 and 2022 Boston Marathon, and intended to run again this year.
WBTV in Charlotte first reported the story.
