A former Somerset High School coach and teacher has been arrested after he offered a student money in exchange for sex.
Police said 49-year-old Stephen E. Wallace, who was the boys soccer coach and a teacher at the school at the time of the offenses, offered a 17-year-old female $75 for each sexual encounter between the two. He also sent lewd photos of himself to the teen via Facebook Messenger under the alias “Sam Jones.”
Wallace’s arrest citation says the suspect told the girl, “I can’t make you rich but I can give you $75 per meeting,” according to the Journal Constitution.
Wallace also contacted the girl’s mother using the fake account and had discussions of a sexual nature with the woman, who was aware that the teacher had already contacted her daughter. The two exchanged photos, with the mother of the victim sending photos of herself fully clothed while Wallace sent sexually explicit photos.
After Somerset police were able to link the “Sam Jones” account to Wallace, he was arrested on Monday and charged with two counts of soliciting prostitution, a misdemeanor. He was released from the Pulaski County Detention Center after posting 10 percent of a $7,500 bond.
Wallace was a coach in multiple sports over his 25-year career. He resigned from both coaching and teaching earlier this year citing health concerns.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
