BY RACHEL DOVE
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PAINTSVILLE — A former teacher and girls basketball coach is facing rape, sexual abuse and sodomy charges.

Darrin Rice, 54, of Wittensville, was arrested Sept. 21 by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department following his indictment by a Johnson County grand jury.

The indictment charges Rice with third-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse by a person of trust or authority over a minor, and third-degree sodomy.

He was transported to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and released on bond a short time later.

Rice worked as a teacher and coach at Johnson Central High school for nine seasons. Before that, he was the girls basketball coach at Sheldon Clark High School from 2007-2013.

Officials with the Johnson County School District released a statement upon being notified of the arrest:

“Johnson County Schools has learned that a former employee and girls basketball coach has been indicted on multiple charges of inappropriate conduct. Our priority is the safety and welfare of all students. Although this deals with a former employee, we always strive to work with law enforcement and the community to protect each and every one of our students. Because this is an active Kentucky State Police investigation, all questions concerning this matter will be referred to law enforcement officials.”

Rice also pastored the Meades Branch Freewill Baptist Church in Lawrence County.