East Texas coach accused of improper relationship with high school student

A former Smith County coach has been accused of having a relationship with a high school student, including inappropriately touching the victim and sending her sexually explicit photos on social media.

Blake Lawson Maddox, a 23-year-old Tyler resident, was arrested Tuesday on one count of improper relationship between educator and student and subsequently released on $20,000 bond, the Tyler Morning Telegraph reported.

Maddox, an assistant football coach for the Lindale Independent School District, was set to take on a role as a baseball coach but resigned after district officials were informed of the allegations, prompting an internal investigation.

According to an arrest-warrant affidavit obtained by the newspaper, the student said she had been in contact with Maddox both at school and through social-media apps. The two also met at a private residence and kissed, she said – a detail corroborated by Maddox in a written statement to police.

The victim told police that Maddox had sent her sexually explicit photos of himself on Snapchat and that he had inappropriately touched her at least once.

Maddox initially consented to an interview with police but later called and directed authorities to his lawyer, the affidavit said.

In a statement, Lindale Superintendent Stan Surratt said district administrators were told of the allegations on Jan. 28.

“The mission of Lindale ISD is to provide a safe and secure environment for all students and staff,” Surratt said. “I am proud of the prompt attention and the work of Lindale High School administrators and of the efforts of the Lindale ISD Police Department.”

Maddox played baseball at both Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Tyler.