Former NBA player Paul McPherson was arrested Thursday after investigators say he engaged in sexual activity with the victim multiple times over several days.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The former Englewood High School boys basketball coach charged with four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor and drug possession made his first court appearance Friday.
Former NBA player Paul McPherson was arrested Thursday after investigators say he engaged in sexual activity with the victim multiple times over several days.
His attorney described him as indigent and asked the court to lower his bond, which is set at $442,527.
“As the bonds are currently set, he cannot afford them, he is indigent,” she said. “In concurrence with the union, his annual income is $25,132.”
The judge denied the request, saying based on the “significant” evidence against McPherson, he has concerns for the community and the victim.
He also pointed out the report from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said the former Phoenix Suns player picked the victim up in a luxury car.
“I couldn’t help but notice that one of these incidents in which the sexual activity occurred, he was driving a white Maserati,” he said. “That’s usually considered a pretty expensive vehicle. I don’t know where he got that.”
The report clarifies the vehicle belongs to a woman who lives at the same place as McPherson.
The judge said McPherson convinced a 16-year-old girl to perform sexual acts by enticing her with drugs.
He was also charged with possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana.
The Englewood security guard is also accused of sending inappropriate photos to the teen.
Duval Schools Chief of Marketing and Public Relations Tracy Pierce said “under the presumption of innocence,” McPherson is still employed but not getting paid.
He’d been reassigned to district duties with no student contact in September.
Englewood and Douglas Anderson School of the Arts are both in District 3. Earlier this year, alumni from Douglas Anderson called on the school board and district to thoroughly investigate after longtime vocal coach Jeffrey Clayton was arrested for lewd behavior with a student.
DA alumna Shyla Jenkins said she encourages Englewood alumni to similarly make their voices heard to the school board.
“We need to start creating policies for this. We need the board to create a procedure to talk about when complaints come up that they’re getting funneled up to the right channels.”
She said Vice Chair Cindy Pearson, who is the representative for District 3, should be more involved.
“The district school board member should be spearheading the questions into why this is happening, pushing for this structure, this policy or procedure to be enacted quicker or at least on the docket.”
First Coast News asked Pearson if she plans to take any actions regarding the incidents. She did not return our requests for comment.
