News Summary
Richard Shaver, former football coach, arrested on multiple sexual battery charges following an indictment, amidst ongoing investigations at West High School.
KNOXVILLE — Richard Shaver, 57, a former football coach at West High School, was arrested on Friday night following an indictment by a grand jury on multiple charges of sexual battery. The charges include four counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and two counts of attempted sexual battery by an authority figure. The Knoxville Police Department announced his apprehension at 8:20 PM on May 23, 2025, after locating him in Sevier County, where he was believed to be in the Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge area.
The arrest comes shortly after Knox County Schools confirmed that Shaver had resigned from his coaching position on May 16 and is no longer affiliated with the school. The ongoing investigation into Shaver’s conduct is separate from a larger investigation involving other coaching staff at West High School.
Earlier this month, assistant football coach Chad Brooks was indicted on several counts of aggravated statutory rape, leading to his placement on unpaid leave. Additionally, Brooks’ contract will not be renewed. Meanwhile, the school’s head football coach, Lamar Brown, has been placed on paid administrative leave as part of the ongoing investigations.
The Knoxville Police Department is actively seeking information from the public regarding Shaver. They have stated that Shaver’s case is unrelated to the ongoing investigation surrounding Chad Brooks and his charges. To assist in gathering potential information, Crime Stoppers has set up a hotline at 865-215-7165 for individuals who may have details pertinent to the case.
Details Surrounding the Case
The charges against Richard Shaver indicate serious allegations of misconduct, reflecting broader concerns regarding the actions of coaches and authority figures in educational settings. The specific nature of the accusations against Shaver has raised alarms within the community, prompting immediate action from school officials.
The implications of Shaver’s arrest extend beyond individual accountability, highlighting systemic issues that schools may face in monitoring and regulating the behavior of staff in positions of authority. The security and safety of students must be prioritized, and districts are often required to address these allegations thoroughly to maintain public trust.
Background Context
The recent developments at West High School come at a time of heightened awareness around the accountability of coaches and educators in general. The separate but concurrent investigations involving the coaching staff at West High School underscore the need for vigilance in preventing abuse and ensuring that educational environments are safe for all students.
This situation follows numerous cases nationwide that have brought issues of sexual misconduct to the forefront, prompting schools and districts to implement stricter policies and protocols surrounding employee conduct and student interactions.
As the investigations continue, both the school district and law enforcement agencies stress the importance of community involvement in seeking justice and protecting vulnerable individuals. The broader aim is to ensure that such incidents are reported and addressed effectively, fostering an educational landscape that prioritizes the safety and well-being of students above all else.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding Richard Shaver or related incidents to come forward, reinforcing the collaborative approach necessary in addressing such serious allegations within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Knoxville Police Seek Sexual Battery Suspect
- Wikipedia: Sexual Battery
- WBIR: West High School Coach Wanted
- Google Search: Richard Shaver
- Knox News: West High School Football Coach Accused
- Google Scholar: Coaches Sexual Misconduct
- Rocky Top Insider: SEC Football Coach Insight
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Richard Shaver
- UT Sports: Glen Elarbee
- Google News: West High School Investigation
