HICKORY, N.C. (WHKY) — A former Burke County high school soccer coach has been arrested by Hickory Police on felony charges involving a student. Herlinton Ramon Rugama-Blandon, 32, of Hickory, is charged with a sex act with a student and indecent liberties with a student.

Rugama-Blandon was booked into the Catawba County Detention Facility Tuesday, September 29. WHKY previously reported the sex-act charge; additional reporting has identified a second charge and his former coaching position.

Rugama-Blandon was a coach at Jimmy C. Draughn High School in Valdese, and the student attended the school at the time of the alleged offense.

Burke County Public Schools spokeswoman Cheryl Shuffler told the Daily Record that Rugama-Blandon worked as a temporary, part-time soccer coach. His employment ran from August 16, 2023, through June 30, 2025, and he left the district at the end of the spring 2025 soccer season.

Shuffler said he had not been dismissed, suspended or demoted during his employment with the school system.

In a statement, the district said it could not discuss specific details because the case involves an ongoing law enforcement investigation. School officials said they take student-safety concerns seriously, cooperate with investigators and require employees to undergo background checks and training.

The district said its priority remains protecting students and maintaining a safe, supportive school environment.

Rugama-Blandon was being held without bond. He was scheduled to appear in District Court in Newton on September 29. The outcome of that appearance was not available for this update.