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Princeton, WV - Former Princeton High Wrestling Coach, Travis Jermiane Francisco, Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges for Sexual Misconduct with Student

Princeton, WV - Former Princeton High Wrestling Coach, Travis Jermiane Francisco, Arrested on Multiple Felony Charges for Sexual Misconduct with Student
Published: February 5, 2025
By: Darla Medina
Last Updated on February 5, 2025

Former Princeton Wrestling Coach Faces Felony Charges in Student Case

Travis Jermiane Francisco, a 39-year-old former wrestling coach at Princeton Senior High School, located at 1321 Stafford Dr, Princeton, WV 24740, has been charged with seven felony counts related to alleged sexual acts involving a student. These charges include “sexual intercourse, sexual intrusion or sexual contact against students by school employees,” according to court documents revealed by WVVA.

West Virginia Coach Arrested for Sexual Misconduct

Francisco was arrested following an investigation led by the West Virginia State Police. The investigation was launched after a sexual assault complaint was filed through the Mercer County 911 Center. Authorities conducted interviews and executed search warrants on cell phones and properties, which ultimately led to the charges and his incarceration at Southern Regional Jail. His bond has been set at $250,000.

Coach Francisco Fired After Allegations of Sexual Relationship with Student

Today, the Mercer County Board of Education convened for a special session and voted unanimously to terminate Francisco from all positions within Mercer County Schools. The criminal complaint states that the alleged incidents began in December 2024.

In addition to his role at the school, Francisco owns Royal Fades Barber Shop in Princeton. If convicted, each of the seven felony counts carries a potential sentence of one to five years in prison and fines of up to $5,000. State laws specify that factors such as the student’s age, mutual consent, or whether the incidents occurred on or off school grounds cannot be used as a defense.

This case continues to develop as Francisco remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.

jesse forbes
Hi. I am attorney Jesse Forbes. If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a similar incident in West Virginia, I would be happy to speak with you and discuss your options. Call the number below. Consultations are free.
(888) 997-3792

Legal Options for Families in Cases of Abuse by School Coaches

When allegations of sexual abuse arise within schools, families are often left grappling with questions about their legal rights and how to protect their children. To learn more, West Virginia school abuse attorney Jesse Forbes discusses the steps victims and their families can take to hold abusers accountable and explore the responsibilities of schools in preventing such misconduct. Forbes provides valuable guidance on navigating the legal process and ensuring that institutions prioritize student safety.

Editor Darla Medina: Thank you for joining us. With these serious charges against Travis Francisco, what legal rights do parents or victims of sexual abuse by a school coach have in situations like this?

Attorney Jesse Forbes: Thank you for having me. In cases where a school employee is accused of abusing a student, the victims and their families have several legal avenues available to them. First and foremost, they have the right to cooperate with law enforcement and prosecutors during the criminal process. Beyond that, they also have the option to pursue civil action against the perpetrator and potentially other parties who may have played a role in enabling the abuse.

Medina: Are you saying that the school system could also be held responsible?

Forbes: Yes, potentially. Schools and school boards have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of their students. If there’s evidence that the school failed to act on prior warnings, ignored red flags, or didn’t follow proper hiring, training, or supervision protocols, they could be considered negligent. In such cases, parents or victims could file a civil lawsuit against the school district or other responsible parties for failing to protect the student from harm.

Medina: What does accountability look like in these kinds of civil cases?

Forbes: Accountability can take several forms. On one hand, a lawsuit can seek financial compensation for the victim to cover medical expenses, therapy, and other damages. On the other hand, these cases also push for systemic changes, such as implementing stricter hiring practices, mandatory reporting procedures, and better oversight of staff. By holding institutions accountable, survivors and their families can help prevent future abuse.

Medina: For families who may not know where to begin, what steps should they take if they suspect something has happened?

Forbes: The first thing to do is report the situation to law enforcement and child protective services. Protecting the child’s well-being is paramount. From there, families should seek out an experienced attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases. A good attorney can help navigate the complex legal process, ensure rights are protected, and explore all available options for justice.

Medina: What would you say to parents who are hesitant to come forward due to fear of stigma or the emotional toll?

Forbes: It’s completely understandable to feel hesitant, but silence allows these kinds of crimes to continue. By coming forward, you not only fight for justice for your child but also help protect others from experiencing similar harm. Support systems, such as counseling and advocacy groups, can help families through the emotional challenges.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If your child has been sexually abused by a coach or school employee, you don't have to face this situation alone. Our team is here to provide compassionate support and skilled legal guidance. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your rights and how we can help hold those responsible accountable. Together, we can work toward securing justice and protecting your family’s future.

Source:

WVVA

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About the Author
Darla Medina
About Darla Medina
Editor: Darla is a content writer with a focus on the legal field. She covers cases of sexual abuse, drunk driving, and preventable violent crime for the Legal Herald. Contact Darla: darla@legalherald.com This article was fact checked prior to publishing by this author to ensure compliance with our rigorous editorial standards. We will only use authoritative sources. Our values compel us to provide only trustworthy information. If you find an error, please contact us.
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