WCNC
Author: Hank Lee
Published: 12:35 PM EDT August 7, 2025
Updated: 7:49 PM EDT August 7, 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A former volunteer football coach at a Charlotte middle school was arrested for the alleged sexual assault of a student, police said.
On Aug. 4, CMPD responded to a reported juvenile sex assault in northeast Charlotte. The victim's mother told officers that her 13-year-old son was sexually assaulted Shy'Mere Kavon Leroy Simms on Aug. 1. According to CMPD, Simms previously worked at Alexander Graham Middle School, where the victim attends class.
The boy was able to pull away and ran home, telling his mother about the incident. Officers found a ChatGPT screenshot on the victim's phone asking the website how he should tell his mom that he was sexually assaulted by his coach.
The victim's mother got in her car and saw Simms, according to police. The woman said when she circled back around to confront him, Simms' SUV was gone.
Simms, 22, was arrested and charged with one count of indecent liberties with a student. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools told CMPD that Simms was a former employee at Alexander Middle School and that his employment was terminated in June 2025 for unknown reasons. According to a CMPD affidavit, Simms also served as a volunteer football coach at Kennedy Middle School. A CMS spokesperson clarified that he's no longer serving in that capacity.
Simms was arrested on Wednesday and transferred to the Mecklenburg County Jail for processing. He posted a $20,000 bond, according to jail records.
CMS issued the following statement to parents following Simms' arrest:
"We are reaching out to inform you that Shymere Simms, a Behavior Management Technician (BMT) and football coach has been arrested. We take this matter very seriously. Shymere Simms has been removed from his duties, suspended with pay, and will no longer be working at any school in the district effective immediately pending the results of the investigation. Shymere Simms served as a BMT “Floater” at the following schools:
Alexander Graham Middle School
James Martin Middle School
J.M. Alexander Middle School
Walter G. Byers School
Southwest Middle School
West Charlotte High School
Shymere Simms also served as a football coach at Kennedy Middle School.
Please understand, we cannot discuss confidential personnel information. This matter is being investigated by law enforcement. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is committed to the safety, security and well-being of all students and staff, in the classroom, in extracurricular activities, as well as sports.
We know that hearing this news is concerning. If you have any information that you think may be of value to investigators please contact Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in your child’s education!"
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
