Former Worthington Christian coach found dead after being accused of sexual contact with students, police say

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A former women’s basketball coach accused of sexual exploitation with two underage former students has died by apparent suicide, according to Columbus Division of Police sources.

Jason Dawson, 35, was charged earlier this month with 10 counts of sexual assault in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. He posted bond in the case last Friday. Dawson was a former girls basketball coach and teacher at Worthington Christian High School in Westerville.

Dawson also faced federal charges Tuesday, accused of sexual exploitation of a minor and distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

The sexual battery charges stem from accusations by two former students and players coached by Dawson, who alleged he engaged in sexual activity with them between 2020 and 2022. One of the victims said she and Dawson engaged in sexual activity approximately 100 times, according to the court. records.

The federal charges stem from Dawson allegedly filming himself having sex with the two victims on multiple occasions. Both victims were under the age of 18 at the time of the alleged sexual activities, according to court records.

Dawson was arrested and charged with 10 counts of sexual assault in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. He waived arraignment on those charges and was released from jail 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.

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