Former Coach Accused of Sexual Abuse in Jefferson Circuit Court Lawsuit

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Former duPont Manual High School football coach Donnie Stoner faces serious allegations of child sexual abuse in a civil lawsuit recently unsealed in Jefferson Circuit Court. The lawsuit, filed by a former 17-year-old student, comes alongside a separate criminal case initiated against Stoner in 2023, where he is accused of sexually assaulting the same student.

The civil lawsuit was originally filed in mid-September but was sealed by the court, which mandates such cases involving childhood sexual abuse to remain confidential. The plaintiff contested the sealing, prompting her to file a motion to unseal the record in January. Circuit Judge Jennifer Bryant Wilcox ultimately directed the order and prior filings to be unsealed, making the details public on February 7.

The filing not only names Donnie Stoner but also includes his twin brother, Ronnie Stoner, Manual High School principal Michael Newman, and athletic director David Zuberer as defendants. The Courier Journal is withholding the identity of the alleged victim due to the nature of the allegations.

In the lawsuit, the plaintiff accuses Donnie Stoner of abusing her while he occupied a “position of trust,” claiming negligence and detailing incidents of assault and battery. It is further alleged that Ronnie Stoner, Zuberer, and Newman were negligent in their oversight concerning Donnie Stoner’s actions, as they “knew or should have known” about his behavior.

Ronnie Stoner, who previously served as a volunteer assistant football coach and currently works as a safety administrator, has denied the allegations, citing a lack of “sufficient knowledge” of the events. He has not been charged with any crime in relation to these accusations.

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS), which employs both Donnie and Ronnie Stoner, asserted a defense of governmental immunity against the lawsuit, a legal provision that historically protects schools from liability in cases like this one. However, this immunity has been narrowed by recent legislative actions that seek to hold institutions accountable when they fail to protect children.

As of last week, JCPS confirmed that Donnie Stoner remains in a non-contact role with students, working within the district’s supply services. Similarly, Ronnie Stoner is also assigned to a non-contact position in the district’s print shop.

In July 2023, Donnie Stoner was indicted on 20 counts related to sexual abuse incidents that occurred between May 30 and July 13, 2023, involving the same student. Court documents revealed that the girl accused Stoner of inappropriate touching and sexual encounters taking place in his classroom and at his home.

A grand jury later charged him with six counts of rape, six counts of sodomy, and eight counts of sexual abuse. His criminal case is scheduled for trial on August 26, 2024.

Stephanie Kuzydym, an enterprise and investigative sports reporter focused on athlete safety, will continue to provide updates on this unfolding case.