ALBEMARLE — The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office announced last week that it is involved in the criminal investigation of a youth basketball coach from Wadesboro.
According to the Anson County Sheriff’s Office, 30-year-old Jamoszio Burch was arrested on March 14 on one count of human trafficking of a child and two counts of indecent liberties with children. He was booked into the Anson County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
Burch is accused of transporting a juvenile under the age of 16 to be held in sexual servitude in 2022.
The Anson Sheriff’s Office said it is working with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the case is still being investigated with additional charges pending.
Five days after the arrest, the SCSO revealed that its internal investigators had information indicating that some of Burch’s crimes had occurred within Stanly County.
“The Stanly County Sheriff’s Office has received information about potential crimes that occurred in Stanly County at the hands of 30-year-old Jamoszio Burch,” the SCSO said in a social media post. “This is an active investigation and The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who is a victim or knows someone who is a victim to please reach out to the Sheriff’s Office at 704-986-3714 or through Facebook Messenger. All information reported will be kept confidential.”
Burch had recently been the coach of the AAU-affiliated NC Jayhawks as well as an assistant varsity coach for the Union Academy Cardinals’ high school team in Monroe.
While at Union Academy, his teams participated in the Yadkin Valley Conference with four Stanly County schools: Albemarle, North Stanly, South Stanly and Gray Stone Day.
Union Academy released a statement regarding its former coach.
“UA Families: I am writing to inform you that we are aware of the recent arrest of former varsity basketball assistant coach Jamoszio Burch in Anson County,” the statement reads. “Mr. Burch’s contract expired at the end of the recent basketball season and was not renewed. He is no longer affiliated with UA.
“We understand that news like this can be concerning, especially when it involves someone who was previously associated with our school. Please rest assured that the safety and well-being of our students are always our top priority, and we remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.”