Now-former Carthage athletic trainer accused of sexual contact with student

A man from Carthage, who worked as the athletic trainer for the school district, is accused of sexual contact with a student.

53-year-old Ryan Palmer's employer, Mercy, says they have fired him since his arrest late last week.

Both Carthage schools and Mercy issued statements saying they keep patient and student safety top of mind and are letting proper authorities handle the investigation.

 He was booked into the Jasper County Jail on a $50,000 bond.