Former Coach Appears in Court on Sex Abuse Charge

One of the men facing charges related to sex abuse allegations at McCracken County High School was in court on Thursday.

According to the McCracken County District Court Clerk, 56-year-old John Parks appeared for his arraignment with his attorney, Emily Roark. 

Parks entered a not guilty plea, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for February 28 at 1 pm.

Following a complaint, investigation and execution of a search warrant on February 14, Parks was arrested on charges of first degree sexual abuse and possession of child pornography.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Department said Wednesday that the minor victim came to school officials three weeks before contacting detectives, but nobody at the school reported the allegations to law enforcement, as required by law.

For that reason, two administrators at the school, Principal Michael Ceglinski and Director of Pupil Personnel Brian Bowland, are now facing criminal charges.