Former girls basketball coach federally charged with sex crimes

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A former high school girls basketball coach accused of engaging in sexual activity with two of his underage students is now facing federal charges.

Jason Dawson, 35, was charged Tuesday with the sexual exploitation of a minor and the distribution, receipt, and/or possession of child pornography by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Ohio.

According to the affidavit, Dawson, a former girls basketball coach at Worthington Christian High School in Westerville, allegedly filmed himself having sex with both victims on multiple occasions between 2020 and 2022, leading to federal charges.

Both victims -- former students and players under Dawson -- were under the age of 18 at the time the alleged sexual activities took place, the affidavit said.

Dawson was arrested and charged with 10 counts of sexual battery in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. He waived his arraignment on those charges and remains free after posting bond last Friday. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Dawson, who moved to North Carolina in 2022, was extradited to Columbus to face the charges against him.