By Debbie Dennie, Editor

Cassandra 'Cassie' Elfers, 21, of Falmouth, a former part-time volleyball coach at Phillip Sharp Middle School, appeared in Pendleton County District Court on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 with her attorney Eric Deters, for an arraignment hearing. She plead not guilty. Elfers is charged with having an inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old Sharp middle school student who played on the basketball team there. She was volunteering to helping with practices. Her former boyfriend is a basketball coach there.

Elfers turned herself into the Kenton County Detention Center on Friday, January 18, 2012. She was released on bail on a $2,500 bond.

Kentucky State Police are  investigating the case and have charged her with sexual abuse, first degree.

Pendleton County School Superintendent Anthony Strong issued the following statement on January 18.

“On Sunday, January 13, the administration of the Pendleton County School District became aware of rumors that a paraprofessional, part time coach, may have been involved in an inappropriate relationship with a student. The administration acted immediately to investigate and took the necessary steps to insure that this individual had no further contacts with students.