CLARKE COUNTY, Ala.: Clarke County High School’s head football coach, Robert Carter, has been arrested and charged with multiple counts related to alleged misconduct involving a student.
According to the Okaloosa County Jail, Carter faces 11 charges, including four counts of engaging in a sex act as a school employee, four counts of distributing obscene material, and three counts of soliciting a sex act with a student.
As reported by WALA, Carter was arrested in Niceville, Florida, after officials launched an investigation in Grove Hill, Alabama. Authorities say he was taken into custody as a fugitive from justice and held in Florida before waiving extradition. He was subsequently transported to the Clarke County Jail on Sunday.
Sheriff Dewayne Smith confirmed to WALA that Carter was wanted on 11 warrants and that multiple agencies, including the Grove Hill Police Department and the 1st Judicial Major Crimes Task Force, were involved in the investigation. Smith stated that the school system had implemented measures to ensure student safety but did not provide details on those precautions.
According to WKRG, authorities arrested Carter during a traffic stop in Niceville on February 21. Records indicate he was booked into the Okaloosa County Jail before being extradited to Clarke County. A bond hearing will take place today.
Clarke County Schools Superintendent Ashlie Flowers released a statement confirming Carter’s arrest and his placement on administrative leave on February 18, 2025. Flowers emphasized that the school system had cooperated fully with law enforcement and that further action regarding Carter’s employment would require a formal recommendation and a vote by the school board.
“As the leader of Clarke County Schools, I expect professionalism and integrity from my faculty and staff,” Flowers stated. “I and the school system take reports of misconduct by employees seriously and work closely with school administration or law enforcement to ensure appropriate action is taken.”
Carter had served as head football coach at Clarke County High School since 2023, following a tenure at Sylacauga High School.
Authorities have not disclosed further details on the allegations against Carter, and the investigation remains ongoing.