County speaks on sexual battery case

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - After sexual battery allegations came out against former Pine Forest High School volunteer Paul Jones, a dark cloud hung over Hobart Avenue.

Jones was released on bond

At his house, it was obvious that people were home, but Jones declined to speak with FOX10 News.

The Escambia County School District was another story.

"The individual that's been charged is not, is not, a part of the Escambia County School District," said Superintendent Malcolm Thomas.

Thomas said Jones was just a part-time track coach, not someone on the payroll.

However, he was still subject to the same fingerprinting and background checks as all volunteers of that level.

According to the police report, Jones allegedly took a male student out drinking. They slept at Jones' house, and the student woke up with pain in his genital area.

After a sexual assault exam and a text message conversation that deputies had with Jones posing as the victim, Jones was arrested.

Thomas doesn't see this incident as a black eye for the school district.

"It's not a reflection of what happens on our campus," Thomas said. "This did not happen in a school, and so I get my feathers ruffled a little when I hear people say, 'How does it affect our school's image?' Absolutely none at all. It might affect the image of the person who's facing the charge."

Thomas said Jones will not be allowed to volunteer anywhere until these charges are clarified.

"What would lead the child to be able to leave the house at 10 o'clock on a Friday night with one of his coaches?" said sheriff's office spokesman Mike Ward. "So at this point it's just speculation, but we're still trying to get to the bottom of that."

According to Ward, no other victims have come forward so far in the case.

Jones will make an appearance in court in about three weeks. He faces charges for sexual battery and supplying alcohol to a person under the age of 21.