LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Clarence Moore, a former basketball coach at Christian Academy of Louisville, was sentenced to seven years in prison on March 26 after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to the sexual abuse of a 17-year-old victim. Moore, who was also a basketball trainer in Louisville, was convicted of unlawful transaction with a minor, third-degree rape, third-degree sodomy, and several counts of sexual abuse.
Moore’s crimes occurred during private basketball lessons with the victim between November 2022 and January 2023. He initially faced a jury trial, but after mediation between the defense and prosecution, he agreed to a guilty plea on December 3, 2023.
In addition to his prison sentence, Moore will be required to register as a sex offender and comply with a 10-year protective order, which forbids any contact with the victim or her family. The victim was not present at the sentencing, though her mother delivered an emotional statement on her behalf.
Moore’s defense attorney, Leland Hulbert, expressed that Moore wanted to address the victim and her family but was advised against doing so, as he still faces a pending felony case in Oldham County related to the same victim. The Oldham County case, which involves allegations of sexual assault that took place in June 2023, has been delayed due to unfinished lab reports. Despite the ongoing investigation, law enforcement from Jefferson County and Oldham County have been working together on the case.
During the sentencing hearing, Hulbert described Moore as a “kind man” and an “excellent father” who wanted to take responsibility for his actions. However, Hulbert also emphasized that treatment for Moore might be more beneficial than incarceration, though he acknowledged the legal requirements for a prison sentence.
Moore’s tenure at Christian Academy of Louisville ended after the 2021-2022 season, where he served as an assistant coach. He also previously coached at Kentucky State University and owned Legacy Training Academy, a business offering basketball training services. Moore’s basketball career included playing for Georgia Tech, where he helped lead the team to the 2004 NCAA Tournament Championship game, a match they lost to the University of Connecticut.
The case has shocked the local community, raising concerns about the safety of young athletes in training environments. Christian Academy of Louisville officials have stated that Moore has not been associated with the school since his coaching role ended. The legal proceedings in both Jefferson and Oldham counties continue to unfold as authorities investigate the full extent of Moore’s actions.
