Founder of Johnson County soccer club ordered to serve probation for child sex crime

The founder of a Johnson County soccer club, who admitted to inappropriately touching a teenage girl he coached, was granted probation but the judge also ordered that if violated his probation, he would have to serve a year and a half in prison, according to court records.

Jason Cummins, 37, was ordered to serve two years probation. Authorities said he had coached the teen since she was 9 years old. Cummins touched the child without her consent in his Shawnee home, according to court records and an interview with the teen and her mother.

After he was charged in May, Cummins stepped down from his role running the club, Arson FC.

The teen’s mother previously said Cummins’ wife, Angie Cummins, who ran the club after her husband stepped down, told players and parents that the allegations were lies.

Jason Cummins pleads guilty to charges

Cummins pleaded guilty in Johnson County District Court on July 28 to attempted aggravated indecent liberties with a child between the ages of 14 and 16.

Prosecutors said he had asked permission to take the teen out to lunch after the two argued at a November practice.

Instead of going to a restaurant close to her home, the teen said, Cummins took her to a Panera 10 to 15 minutes away. He said he didn’t want anyone to see them together.

Leaving the restaurant, Cummins commented on the appearance of her rear end, she said. When they got in the car he asked if she wanted to see his house, according to court documents.

The victim said she wasn’t sure if it was appropriate for her to go there. Cummins instructed the girl to pull the hood of the sweatshirt she was wearing over her head so his neighbors wouldn’t be able to see her, court documents show.

The Star generally does not name possible victims of sexual assault without their permission.

After touring the house, the teen said, Cummins walked her to the front door. He gave her a lingering hug. He rubbed her back. He asked if he could touch her rear end. She didn’t respond, so he did. Then, she said, he asked if he could put his hands under her pants. She immediately said no.

Cummins then walked to his couch and made the girl sit on his lap. When she tried to stand up, he held onto her, she said.

He took the girl home and Cummins told her he would “do what boys do” when he got back to his house.

Later that afternoon, he began texting her apologies. In the following months, she said, he bought her expensive gifts for Christmas and her birthday.

Cummins founded Arson FC in 2014. The soccer club consists of eight boys teams, 12 girls teams and two coed teams. Cummins ran the club and personally coached the team that the teen played on.

Less than a month after he pleaded guilty, the entire coaching staff of his former club resigned, according to an email sent to parents.

The coaches, the email said, were forming a new club — the Johnson County Soccer Club.

This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 11:44 AM.