Thirty-eight-year-old Shawnacie Antoine Johnson was arrested Tuesday morning.

 

Johnson is charged with four counts of statutory rape from incidents in 2007 and 2008 and one charge of sexual activity with a student by a teacher from a 2009 incident. Police say the victim was in her early teens.

 

Hickory City Schools reported the allegations in May.

 

Johnson is a physical education coach and wide receivers coach in football in addition to being the head coach of the basketball team. He has been at the school since 2002. He's been on paid administrative leave since June 1.

 

Attorney Blair Cody says it's hard to believe the charges.