A former Mississippi high school soccer coach has been sentenced to five years in prison for sex crimes against children.
Luke Mason was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Department in March 2021 after investigators found evidence that he used his authority as a teacher and coach to elicit and entice a student. Law enforcement also noted at the time that Mason, then soccer coach at Mooreville High School, distributed pornographic photos to another student.
On Monday, Mason, 30, was sentenced in Lee County after pleading guilty to three counts of enticement of a child. According to a release from the sheriff’s office, he is also facing charges of fondling and sexual battery in a separate case involving minors in Meridian.
Lee County Sheriff Jim H. Johnson thanked Assistant District Attorney Megan French for prosecuting the case and used Mason’s sentencing as an example of why suspicious activity inside educational facilities needs to be reported.
“As the kids are about to start a new school year, I’d like to encourage staff, teacher, and parents to report any activity you see in which a child may appear to be in danger,” Johnson said. “Our Lee County School [District] staff works diligently to protect the children in their care, and they have been an asset during this investigation.”
According to Johnson, Mason’s time will be served day-for-day. Upon release, he will be put on probation and have to register as a sex offender.
