A teacher and coach at Grafton High School is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say he attempted to sexually abuse a student during school hours.
According to reports from WDTV, 26-year-old Zachary Shumaker was arraigned Thursday afternoon in Taylor County Magistrate Court after being arrested on charges connected to the alleged attempted sexual abuse of a student. Investigators say the accusations involve inappropriate comments and physical contact with a female student at the school.
Court documents state that the incident was reported after the student informed another teacher about what allegedly happened. School officials then contacted law enforcement, leading to an investigation by local authorities.
Shumaker worked as both a teacher and athletic coach at the high school. He reportedly served as an assistant football coach and head wrestling coach, positions that placed him in regular contact with students both inside and outside the classroom environment.
Authorities allege that Shumaker made sexually inappropriate remarks toward the student before attempting physical contact.
The student’s report prompted immediate concern among school administrators and investigators, who moved quickly to begin gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses connected to the case.
During Thursday’s arraignment hearing, prosecutors outlined the allegations while the court reviewed the charges against him. Shumaker is now facing felony accusations related to attempted sexual abuse involving a student.
Additional details about the investigation have not yet been released publicly as authorities continue reviewing evidence and conducting interviews.
Community Reacts as Investigation Continues
News of the arrest spread rapidly throughout the Grafton community, with many parents and residents expressing shock and concern over the allegations.
Community members have taken to social media to discuss the case, with many calling for accountability and stronger protections for students within school systems.
School officials have not publicly commented in detail on the investigation, but are expected to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the case moves through the court system. It remains unclear whether additional disciplinary or administrative actions have been taken internally by the school district.
The case has also sparked wider conversations about student safety, reporting procedures, and the importance of ensuring young people feel comfortable speaking up when inappropriate behavior occurs. Supporters of the student praised the quick reporting process that allowed authorities to intervene.
As the legal proceedings continue, Shumaker remains at the center of an ongoing criminal investigation. Officials have not indicated whether more charges could be filed in the future.
The incident has left many in the small West Virginia community shaken, especially students and families connected to the school’s athletic programs.
Parents are now seeking reassurance that proper safeguards and monitoring systems are in place to protect students from misconduct by adults in positions of trust.
Authorities continue encouraging anyone with additional information related to the investigation to contact law enforcement. No further court dates have yet been publicly announced.
