CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A recently fired Charlotte coach has been accused of an inappropriate relationship with one of his student-athletes, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department announced late Wednesday night.
Matthew Elliott, 39, was charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a female student who was on his cross-country team at Charlotte Country Day School.
The victim, now an adult, told investigators Elliott flirted with her and made numerous advances while she was enrolled at the school, according to CMPD. Investigators determined the two had had an inappropriate relationship.
Elliott was arrested at his home on Wednesday. He was taken into custody and transferred to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office.
The following message was shared with Charlotte Day School families:
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.
Respectfully,
David Mancos
Interim Head of School
Thursday, Elliott appeared before a judge. In court, he submitted a waiver of council. Elliott told reporters he had "no comment" about his alleged relationship with a student.
Anyone who may have more information on this case is asked to contact Detective Heather Wyatt at 704-432-1723. Any person with additional information about this case can submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or by visiting http://charlottecrimestoppers.com/.
In an unrelated case, another Charlotte track coach was accused of sex crimes in September. Daszmar Lockhart is accused of committing these crimes between 2018 and 2020, according to CMPD. At least three young girls have accused Lockhart of crimes. At the time, the years were aged 11, 14 and 15, according to CMPD. Lockhart is being charged with: Statutory Rape of a Child 15 years of age or Younger (1 count), Indecent Liberties with a Child (3 counts) and Statutory Sex Offense with a Child 15 years of age or Younger (2 counts).
