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A former Cold Springs High School girls basketball coach who led the team to this season’s Class 2A state championship game has been arrested and faces multiple sex-related charges connected to an alleged student. The arrest, announced this week, has prompted an active criminal inquiry and heightened concern in the Cullman County school community.
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office took 35-year-old Paige Parker Adams into custody Tuesday, according to local media reports. Authorities say she faces a range of counts that include alleged sexual contact with a student and numerous counts of distributing obscene material to a student.
Details of the charges
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Public records and reporting list the allegations as several distinct offenses. Local outlets identify the charges as:
- One count alleging a school employee engaged in a sex act or deviant sexual intercourse with a student
- One count alleging a school employee had sexual contact with a student under 19
- Thirty counts alleging a school employee distributed obscene material to a student
Those counts were filed after an investigation was opened by the sheriff’s office; prosecutors will determine whether to pursue the case further, the office said in a statement to WBRC.
School officials respond
Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette confirmed the district received a formal complaint and immediately launched an internal inquiry. Adams resigned from her coaching post during a special board meeting on March 25, the district said.
District officials also said standard protocols were followed: school property items were returned, Adams was removed from campus, and the matter was referred to law enforcement. Barnette emphasized the district’s stated priority is student safety as authorities continue their work.
Investigation status
The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office told reporters the circumstances around the resignation and the allegations are under investigation and that investigators will consult with the District Attorney’s office before releasing additional details. No trial date has been set publicly.
On the court and in the community
Adams had just come off her most successful season as head coach, guiding Cold Springs to the state title game in March, where the team fell to North Sand Mountain. The Eagles finished the season with a 23–11 record; the program had posted 27–5 the year before and 31–3 in 2022–23.
She was hired to succeed longtime coach Tammy West, who retired after a 33-season tenure that included four state titles and 754 wins. Adams had previously played under West — including on state championship teams in 2008 and 2009 — and served as an assistant before being elevated to head coach.
What parents and community members should know
- Arrest made: Adams is in custody and faces multiple charges; official booking and charging documents will be available through the sheriff’s office.
- Investigation ongoing: Law enforcement and the Cullman County District Attorney will review evidence before any prosecution decision.
- School actions: The district says it followed procedure, referred the matter to authorities and approved the resignation at a board meeting.
- Support resources: Schools often provide counseling and support to students and families after incidents like this; parents should contact the district for specific options.
As the case advances, prosecutors and the sheriff’s office are expected to provide updates. For now, the community remains focused on the legal process and the district’s stated commitment to protecting students while authorities continue their investigation.
