Prince William basketball coach charged with sexually assaulting student

A Prince William County high school basketball coach and middle school assistant teacher has been charged with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student on his team.

Demetrius Montrell Felder, 47, of Woodbridge, Virginia, faces five counts of indecent liberties by a custodian, a class 6 felony in the state.

Felder is the head coach of the Gar-Field High School boys’ basketball team and works as an autism teacher assistant at Beville Middle School.

The Prince William County Police Department began its investigation on Oct. 20, 2026, after the student reported the alleged incidents to a school staff member.

According to police, Felder picked up the girl from her home in June 2026, drove her to an undisclosed location in Prince William County, and sexually assaulted her before driving her back to her residence.

The student also told investigators that Felder touched her inappropriately on a later date while giving her a ride home.

Police say none of the alleged assaults happened on school grounds.

Felder was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2026, and is being held without bond at the county jail.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 19, 2027, in Prince William County General District Court.

Under Virginia law, indecent liberties by a custodian applies when a person in a custodial or supervisory role — such as a teacher, coach, or school employee — engages in sexual conduct with a minor under 18 who is in their care.

A class 6 felony carries a potential sentence of one to five years in prison, or up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500, at the judge’s discretion.

In a letter to Gar-Field High School parents obtained by Patch, Principal Matthew Mathison said Felder had been placed on administrative leave immediately upon learning of the allegation.

“I am deeply troubled to learn of this allegation,” Mathison wrote.

“Our staff work hard every day to support our students and families, and I remain incredibly proud of the caring and dedicated community we have at Gar-Field.”

Mathison added that the school’s administrative team “took immediate action to follow established protocols and procedures” when they first learned of the accusation.

“Please know that we take matters involving students and staff safety seriously and remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for our Gar-Field community,” the principal wrote.

Beville Middle School Principal Chevese Thomas also sent a letter to parents at her school, saying she was “deeply” troubled by the news.

Felder’s role at Beville Middle School is as an autism teacher assistant, meaning he worked directly with special-needs students in a classroom setting.

Gar-Field High School is located at 14000 Smoketown Road in Woodbridge, part of Prince William County Public Schools, one of the largest school divisions in Virginia with more than 90,000 students.

The school’s basketball team, the Red Wolves, competes in the Virginia High School League’s Class 6 region.

Felder has been the head coach of the Gar-Field boys’ basketball program for multiple seasons, according to school records and local sports coverage.

Prince William County police spokesperson confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges have not been ruled out.

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about Felder’s conduct to contact the Prince William County Police Department’s Special Victims Unit at 703-792-6500.

The case has drawn attention because of the dual role Felder held — as both a coach with direct access to student-athletes and as a teacher assistant working with vulnerable special-needs students.

Virginia state law requires school employees to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the local department of social services or law enforcement within 24 hours.