The assistant principal at England High School, who was arrested earlier this week following allegations involving a 14-year-old boy, made his first court appearance Wednesday in Lonoke County Circuit Court.
Trent Morgan, who also served as the head boys’ basketball coach, appeared before a judge who set his bond at $250,000. Morgan was taken into custody Monday after the England Police Department launched an investigation prompted by a parent’s report of inappropriate interactions between their child and a school district staff member. Authorities also executed a search warrant at Morgan’s home the same day.
While being held at the Lonoke County Detention Facility, Morgan submitted a letter of resignation. During Tuesday night’s school board meeting, board members accepted the resignation without hesitation.
The school has also moved quickly to fill the coaching vacancy. David Mackey, a championship-winning head coach for the girls’ basketball team, has been appointed interim head coach for the boys’ team.
England Police Chief Richard Friend said the investigation remains active and is continuing to expand.
“We don’t have the resources to handle a case like this as it grows in magnitude each day without outside agencies coming in to assist,” Friend said. “We are still processing the evidence, and there is potential for additional charges.”
Morgan is currently facing charges of rape, second-degree sexual assault, and sexual grooming of a child. The investigation is ongoing.
