LRS assistant tennis coach arrested in student sex-case
MIKE MAYNARD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 months AGO
A Lind-Ritzville/Sprague assistant tennis coach has been charged with multiple crimes associated with an alleged inappropriate relationship with a member of the tennis team.
COURTESY PHOTO/ COTTONBRO STUDIO
RITZVILLE — Former Lind-Ritzville/Sprague assistant tennis coach and Sprague High School teacher Madeline Gregory Scoon, 29, was arrested on March 16 for having an inappropriate relationship with a student athlete that spanned from August 2025 to March 2026, records show.
She currently faces two charges. Count one is first degree sexual misconduct with a minor. This charge is a class C felony with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine, according to the probable cause statement. Count two is communication with a minor for immoral purposes, which is a gross misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 364 days imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine.
A readiness hearing is set for May 26, 2026, with trial set to begin June 17, 2026. Gregory has entered a not guilty plea with the court, according to records.
The case was investigated by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. According to the statement of probable cause, the student’s mother found text communications that indicated an inappropriate relationship had been taking place between Gregory and the student.
Witnesses interviewed prior to the arrest pointed out text messages they had seen indicating the pair were in a relationship and telling one another, “I love you.”
During this investigation, the mother of the student told investigators about an incident on December 23, 2025, that raised concern, court records indicate. Investigators reviewed security footage that showed evidence of the two spending time together. The student parked his car in the parking lot before walking over to a car matching Gregory’s and getting in. The driver in the footage also matched the description of Gregory.
According to the probable cause statement, both the student and Gregory admitted to the relationship and its existence over the last few months. Both gave conflicting stories about how far they engaged in sexual activity but admitted some level of sexual contact had occurred.
Gregory has posted $25,000 bond set by the Lincoln County Court and is staying in Cheney as the investigation and trials proceed. A no-contact order has been issued preventing her from communicating with the alleged victim.
The Columbia Basin Herald reached out to the Lind-Ritzville/Sprague Athletic Director and Superintendent for comment but have received no response. As the investigation progresses, updates will be provided in future editions of the paper.
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