Unsealed Court Records Reveal Shocking Abuse Allegations Against Former Coach
Donnie Stoner, a former football coach at duPont Manual High School, is confronting severe allegations of child sexual abuse after a civil lawsuit filed against him was unsealed by Jefferson Circuit Court. The case, originally filed in September 2023 by a 17-year-old female student, outlines a series of distressing accusations involving repeated sexual misconduct.
The student initiated the lawsuit after Stoner was charged in July 2023 with 20 counts, including six counts of rape, six counts of sodomy, and eight counts of sexual abuse. The charges stem from incidents that reportedly occurred between May 30 and July 13, 2023.
According to court records, Stoner engaged in inappropriate conduct with the victim, including kissing, touching, and multiple instances of sexual intercourse. Following these allegations, Stoner was immediately dismissed from his coaching role at duPont Manual.
The court’s decision to unseal the lawsuit came after the victim requested public access to the case details. Circuit Judge Jennifer Bryant Wilcox approved the motion and ruled that no future filings related to the case would be sealed.
This ruling has intensified scrutiny of the broader involvement of school officials, as the lawsuit also implicates Stoner’s twin brother, Ronnie, along with duPont Manual’s principal, Michael Newman, and athletic director, David Zuberer. Their inclusion raises concerns over potential systemic failures within Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in addressing such critical matters.
Legal experts suggest that the inclusion of multiple school officials in the lawsuit indicates the case’s complexity and could point to possible negligence or complicity in handling the allegations. The grand jury indictment adds further gravity to the situation, underlining the seriousness of the accusations against Stoner.
As the trial approaches, scheduled for August 26, public interest continues to grow, with attention focused not only on the outcome for Stoner but also on the potential implications for JCPS’s policies and accountability structures. The case has reignited conversations about safeguarding practices in educational institutions and the responsibility of school administrations in preventing and addressing such cases of abuse.
With the trial date set, all eyes remain on the Jefferson Circuit Court to see how the proceedings unfold and what consequences may await the accused and the implicated officials.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
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