JV coach arrested and charged with 17 counts of sexual abuse
Former DDHS junior varsity boys’ basketball coach Davonte Carter was arrested in Texas after a grand jury indicted him for sexual abuse of two minors and accusations of sexual abuse, including sodomy.
At this time, there is not conclusive evidence that the minors are David Douglas students.
Carter, 26 years of age who also served as an ISS monitor until he left that position in April of 2022, was arrested on Thursday Jan. 26. He faces six counts of Second-Degree Sex Abuse, four counts of Sex Abuse in the Third-Degree, seven counts of Sodomy in the Third Degree, one count of Luring a Minor, and one count of Marijuana Distribution to a Minor. Carter is being held as an alleged fugitive from justice at the Galveston County Jail in Texas, according to OregonLive.com.
“Our students' safety is our top priority," said Principal Greg Carradine. "If any student is feeling unsafe, they can check in with administrators or their counselors.”
Portland Police East Precinct officers were told on Dec. 18, 2022 of inappropriate contact between Carter and two minors, according to the Portland Police Bureau. Officers then informed Portland’s Sex Crimes Unit and the David Douglas administration. The case was presented to a grand jury who decided the evidence did in fact support the indictment of Carter. He was located in Webster, Texas, and was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force.
The lawyer representing the victims and their families has filed a notice of intent to sue the school district, stating that Carter’s sexual abuse was repetitive.
“He continued serving as the JV basketball coach until Dec. 19, 2022, when the [David Douglas] district was informed of the allegations against him,” stated the David Douglas District in an email and through the ParentSquare app. “The District immediately placed Mr. Carter on Administrative Leave, and he was terminated shortly thereafter.”
“Our student’s safety is our top priority. If any student is feeling unsafe, they can check in with administrators or their counselors.”
-Principal Greg Carradine
Principal Carradine and Head Coach Chad Reeves met with the basketball teams to explain Carter's out of state arrest. The district is currently receiving information from Portland Police as they progress with the investigation.
“Both as a volunteer, and later as a prospective employee, Mr. Carter cleared a criminal history verification,” Fox 12 News reported the district stated. “The David Douglas School District is fully cooperating with the Portland Police Bureau in the ongoing investigation. As a school district, our concern now is the health and well-being of our students and especially those impacted either directly or indirectly. We are working with and offering support for all affected students. Counselors in all David Douglas schools are aware and are prepared to support any students seeking it.”
Anyone who has information on these or other incidents is asked to contact:
Detective Sean Harris at sean.harris@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-0838,
or
Detective Wendi Hamm at wendi.hamm@police.portlandoregon.gov or (503) 823-0999