From Tribune staff reports
PELHAM — Middle school teacher and coach Adam Jeremy Lewis was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography on Wednesday, according to Shelby County jail records. Lewis was released after posting a $15,000 bond.
Lewis, who worked at Pelham Park Middle School was also Youth Director at Rock Mountain Lakes Baptist Church in McCalla. All references to Lewis have been removed from the Pelham City Schools website and associated athletic websites where Lewis was a wrestling coach.
“State law enforcement officials made Pelham City Schools aware of alleged wrongdoing by a Pelham Park Middle School teacher on Wednesday,” Pelham City Schools Superintendent Dr. Chuck Ledbetter said in an email to parents. “The employee was removed from the school building, and system administrators took immediate action to place the employee on administrative leave. While we can not discuss the details of personnel matters, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students, and we will fully cooperate with law enforcement as it conducts a full investigation into the allegations.”
Rock Mountain Lakes Baptist Church posted a statement on social media addressing the situation.
“Church Family, please continue to pray,” the statement began. “As of Monday, January 23, Adam Lewis is no longer employed at RMLBC as youth director or in any other capacity. This is not the place for me to give the details about the situation. But we know that Tim, Sherry, and Erin need our prayers in a major way. So does Adam. This is a devastating moment for our church family, but I know God is working. He is “our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). Let’s cling to him in trust, now more than ever.”