By Tara Fischer

Staff Writer

Stephen Decatur High School’s head basketball coach Bryon Johnson was taken into custody last week on charges related to an alleged sexual assault of a minor.

Johnson, known in the community as BJ, was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 8 on charges including a felony sex offense in the 3rd degree with a child under 14; a misdemeanor offense for sex offense in the 4th degree, sexual contact; and a misdemeanor assault in the 2nd degree.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 30 at the Worcester County District Court in Snow Hill. Johnson has denied all allegations.

According to police records, Ocean Pines Police responded to a call on Tuesday, Jan. 6 on reports of a sexual assault. The alleged incident took place between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.  on Jan. 5, 2026, at a residence in Ocean Pines. Police records allege that Johnson entered the home of his ex-girlfriend while she was at work and that her minor children were present.

Police documentation alleges that Johnson went into the bedroom of his ex-girlfriend, where one of the children was located and had inappropriate contact with the minor.

Following the alleged incident, the child was taken to Atlantic General Hospital and later participated in a forensic interview at the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center. Police records also indicate that on Jan. 7, the child’s siblings were interviewed by law enforcement, where they reported seeing Johnson inside the residence.

Ocean Pines Police interviewed Johnson on Jan. 7. According to police, Johnson denied being at his ex-girlfriend’s home on the date in question. He also denied that he had any inappropriate contact with the minor.

Court records show a restraining order was taken out against the ex-girlfriend on Jan. 6 but documents do not state who filed the request.

Johnson is employed at SDHS as an educational assistant and the head coach of the men’s basketball program. He was hired by Worcester County Public Schools in 2000.

Carrie Sterrs, the coordinator of public relations and special programs for WCPS, confirmed that 60-year-old Johnson is currently on administrative leave.

“WCPS cannot comment on personnel matters; however, the school system took all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our students as soon as school system staff was notified of the allegations,” a statement from Sterrs reads. “WCPS has also made sure that support is available to any student or staff member should they need it through our school counseling office.”