Former Iredell Coach Faces 78 Charges, Including Rape Of Student

STATESVILLE, NC — A former Iredell County coach was arrested on numerous sex crime charges Wednesday, including the forcible rape of a student while he worked at a Statesville school, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

Derone Martin McNeil, 47 and of Statesville, is the former athletic director of Statesville Christian School. He was apprehended in Forsyth County by ICSO April 3, charged with the sex crimes that allegedly took place over a two-year period at multiple locations, including school property beginning in 2012.

Authorities learned of the accusations when a school administrator came forward with concerns. The tip led investigators to find the alleged victim and conduct an interview.

“The victim told detectives she had been sexually assaulted by Derone McNeill multiple times between the years of 2012 and 2014,” ICSO said in a statement. “Based on evidence gathered from the interview, additional crimes occurred in the city limits, and the Statesville Police Department was notified.”

McNeil was charged with two counts of felony second degree forcible rape, two counts of felony second degree forcible sex offense, and three counts of felony sexual activity with a student by school personnel.

Multiple witnesses corroborated the victim’s statements. McNeil, however, refused to give a statement to investigators.

ICSO obtained an arrest warrant for McNeil on March 26. He was also charged with numerous charges from Statesville City Police Department, which has brought 78 charges against him, the Statesville Record & Landmark said.

McNeil was transferred to Iredell County Detention Center. His secured bond was set at $2 million.