Nashville, Tennessee, October 17, 2025
News Summary
Herman “Jay” Graham III, a 50-year-old football coach from Centennial High School, was arrested in Nashville during a prostitution sting operation. He faces felony charges for patronizing prostitution with a minor and solicitation for aggravated statutory rape. The sting was conducted by law enforcement posing as minors on escort websites. Following his arrest, Graham was fired from his coaching position and suspended from teaching. Counseling services were provided for students, and his bond was set at $45,000.
Nashville, Tennessee – Herman “Jay” Graham III, a 50-year-old high school football coach at Centennial High School in Williamson County, has been arrested during a prostitution sting operation in Nashville. Graham faces two felony charges, including patronizing prostitution with a minor and solicitation of a minor for aggravated statutory rape.
The sting was executed as part of a collaborative initiative between the Metro Nashville Police Department’s Special Victims Division and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Officers posed as minors on adult escort websites to identify individuals attempting to solicit minors.
According to reports, Graham allegedly responded to an advertisement and communicated with an undercover officer who was posing as a 16-year-old girl. After reaching an agreement for sex at a price of $120, Graham arrived at a Nashville hotel, paid the money, and was subsequently arrested by law enforcement.
Following his arrest, Graham was fired from his coaching position and suspended without pay from his teaching role at Centennial High School. The school’s principal, Dr. Clarissa Haymon, informed parents and staff about the implications of Graham’s arrest. Counseling services have been made available to students in response to the incident, and the school addressed the football team, providing necessary support.
As for Graham’s legal situation, his bond has been set at $45,000. This case is part of a larger sting operation that resulted in the arrest of two other men, Aaron Barnack (46) and Anthony Proctor (20), who also face similar solicitation charges. Barnack allegedly offered $1,000 for a night with two undercover officers claiming to be 16 and 17 years old, while Proctor agreed to pay $50 for a brief encounter with a supposed 16-year-old girl. Barnack’s bond is set at $45,000, whereas Proctor’s bond is at $41,000.
Before joining Centennial High School, Graham was a football player with a notable career, having played for the Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and Green Bay Packers in the NFL. He started at Centennial in March 2025 as a coach and substitute teacher before becoming a full-time teacher in July 2025. His previous experience included roles as the special teams coordinator and at East Tennessee State University, as well as assistant coaching stints at prominent programs including Florida State, Alabama, and twice at Tennessee.
The Metro Nashville Police Department has stated that there currently is no indication of risk to the student body at Centennial High School following Graham’s arrest.
FAQ
- Who is Herman “Jay” Graham III?
- Herman “Jay” Graham III is a 50-year-old high school football coach at Centennial High School in Williamson County, Tennessee, and a former NFL player.
- What charges is Jay Graham facing?
- Graham is facing two felony charges: patronizing prostitution with a minor and solicitation of a minor for aggravated statutory rape.
- What led to Jay Graham’s arrest?
- Graham was arrested during a prostitution sting where he allegedly communicated with an undercover officer posing as a 16-year-old girl and agreed to pay for sex.
- What were the circumstances of the sting operation?
- The sting operation was conducted by the Metro Nashville Police Department’s Special Victims Division and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Officers posed as minors on adult escort websites.
- What actions has the school taken following Graham’s arrest?
- Graham was fired from his coaching position and suspended without pay from his teaching position. Counseling services were made available to students.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Herman “Jay” Graham III |
| Age | 50 |
| Charges | Patronizing prostitution with a minor, Solicitation of a minor for aggravated statutory rape |
| Bond Amount | $45,000 |
| Location of Arrest | Nashville, Tennessee |
| School Involved | Centennial High School |
| Support Actions | Counseling services for students, communication to parents and staff |
| Sting Operation Collaborators | Metro Nashville Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation |
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Additional Resources
- WSMV: Centennial High School Coach Fired
- Tennessean: Jay Graham Arrested
- NewsChannel 5: Coach Arrested in Prostitution Sting
- Wikipedia: Main Page
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Main Page
Author: HERE Nashville
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