Source: Catawba ordered to turn over personnel records regarding Wager | Crime

SALISBURY - The Rowan County Superior Court issued an order on Friday for Catawba College to turn over all personnel records related to former soccer coach Ralph Wager, according to a source close to the investigation.

Wager is being held under a one million dollar bond, accused of molesting a young boy who was attending a sports camp at Catawba in 1987.

On Wednesday during a hearing on a motion to reduce Wager's bond, assistant district attorney Seth Banks told the court that Catawba College had taken action against Wager at the time.

"Also, as I understand, the college actually took action and restricted his access to the pool facility and told him he's not to have any contact specifically with the victim in this case," Banks said.

Nothing was mentioned about the school contacting police at the time, and a check on Wager's criminal record in North Carolina did not turn up any charges.

Late Friday Catawba President Brien Lewis a statement concerning the court order:

Today in the criminal case against Ralph Wager, the Court entered an order that reflects the ongoing investigation of these charges.  The court order was issued in the normal course of the law enforcement investigation and we see it as further indication that we are all determined to investigate these allegations.  The College will continue to cooperate with law enforcement.  We appreciate that the order itself reflects the College’s commitment to this process as the College has been responding “to any and all requests for access to information that may aid in the criminal investigation.” 

Importantly, during the pendency of this criminal investigation, we believe Catawba College must refrain from making comments that may bear on the investigation of the Wager case to permit law enforcement time to work.  Therefore, please respect our intent to refrain from comment as law officers do their work.

Meantime, our independent investigation remains in progress.