Charlotte Middle School coach charged after police say he assaulted a 13-year-old student in a gold SUV.
A former Charlotte middle school coach has been charged after police say he forced a 13-year-old boy’s hands down his pants in a disturbing encounter earlier this month.
According to court documents, on August 4, 2025, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers responded to a report of a juvenile sexual assault. The boy’s mother told police that 22-year-old Shy’Mere Kavon Leron Simms assaulted her son.
Investigators say Simms knew the victim because he previously worked at Alexander Graham Middle School, where the boy is a student. That morning, Simms allegedly sent the boy a Snapchat message around 7:30 a.m. that read, “in your hood.” Minutes later, the boy spotted Simms in a gold SUV near Oak Drive and Springhaven Drive.
Police say after greeting the boy, Simms forced the child’s hands into his pants. The boy pulled away and later told his mother. Court documents reveal that officers found a screenshot on the boy’s phone showing he had asked ChatGPT how to tell his mom he was sexually assaulted by his coach.
The boy’s mother told police she later saw Simms driving, but when she circled back, he was gone.
Charlotte Middle School Coach Arrested
CMPD confirmed the Charlotte middle school coach arrested was charged with one count of indecent liberties with a student. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reported that Simms is a former employee at Alexander Graham Middle School and that his employment ended in June 2025. The reason for his termination was not disclosed.
Police also learned that Simms had volunteered as a football coach at Kennedy Middle School. District officials say he is no longer affiliated with that program.
Simms was taken into custody on Wednesday and booked into the Mecklenburg County Jail under a $20,000 bond. Records show he has since been released.
