KODAK, Tenn. — A former golf coach from Northview Academy pleaded guilty this month to three counts of statutory rape.
The charge comes from Jennifer Paige Blanchard’s time as a golf coach. According to Sevierville officials, the victim, who is now an adult, alleged that as a juvenile student, they were sexually assaulted in 2017.
Court records show Blanchard pleaded guilty to the charges and will be on probation until Dec. 1, 2030. Blanchard must also register as a sex offender for the duration for her probation. She is also permanently banned from teaching or coaching children. According to court records, Blanchard also agreed to pay for the victim's therapy for two years.
SPD started an investigation in June 2023 after being informed of the allegation by the Sevier County School System. The investigation then led to a sealed allegation that was issued on Monday, Oct. 30.
The school system also said Blanchard taught at Sevierville Primary School and then Seymour Primary School while working as golf coach at Northview Academy, before her resignation in 2021.
The Concord United Methodist Church in Farragut confirmed that Blanchard also worked as the Assistant Children's Director from Aug. 2022 until she was fired on Nov. 1.
