RIPLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Ripley High School athletic trainer and athletic director has been arrested on multiple felony charges following an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct involving a 16-year-old female student.
According to Jackson County Sheriff R.H. Mellinger, Steven Lough of Ripley was arrested Friday night, November 6, during a home football game after an investigation that began earlier that day.
Investigators say Lough developed an inappropriate relationship with the student after initially communicating with her about an injury.
The relationship allegedly progressed to sexually explicit text messages, the exchange of intimate photographs and multiple incidents of sexual contact on school property during October 2026.
According to the Sheriff’s Department, investigators obtained permission from the student and her parents to examine her cellphone. They discovered sexually explicit communications between the student and Lough, including an inappropriate photograph allegedly sent by Lough.
Investigators also discovered messages arranging meetings between Lough and the student in the school’s athletic training room during school hours.
The student reported that multiple sexual encounters occurred inside the training room, while another occurred in a classroom at Ripley High School. The most recent alleged encounter took place October 31.
Authorities located Lough at a nearby Ripley High School football game and took him into custody.
During an interview with investigators, Lough allegedly admitted to engaging in sexual contact with the student on multiple occasions, including at least three separate encounters in October.
According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, Lough also acknowledged exchanging sexually explicit messages and photographs with the student.
Investigators examined Lough’s cellphone with his consent and reportedly discovered additional communications and photographs supporting portions of the student’s statements.
Following the investigation, Lough was charged with three felony counts of sexual intercourse, sexual intrusion or sexual contact with a student by a school employee and one felony count of use of obscene matter with intent to seduce a minor.
Sheriff Mellinger credited the Jackson County Board of Education and the Jackson County Shield Program for their cooperation during the investigation.
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department emphasized that allegations involving the sexual exploitation of children and abuse of positions of trust are taken seriously.
Authorities are encouraging anyone else who believes they may have been victimized by Lough to contact the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.
The charges are allegations, and Lough is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
