McNamara, 25, is charged with one felony count of indecent liberties with a student. The alleged victim is a 16-year-old student at Corinth Holders High School, where McNamara was a teacher and coach before he was suspended with pay in March.
McNamara continues to have his supporters. They say they believe the accusation of inappropriate touching is false. Some, like Mike Grindstaff, came to Thursday's hearing.
"It's not right. I don't think they have any evidence and that's why they're reaching for straws. There's no reason for it to be continued," he offered.
Grindstaff said the delays for justice are ridiculous.
"You can't get any answers from the school board. You can't get any answers from the DA, nobody's speaking, all saying they can't comment. They're just waiting for his contract to run out at the end of the school year and hang him out to dry," said Grindstaff.
And those who rally behind the coach say the affect of the accusation has been devastating for the McNamara family, especially his mother.
"Very tough, but if it were my son, I would be fighting as hard as she is," said McNamara supporter Cheryl Kemp.
McNamara's mother Diane declined to comment at Thursday's hearing. A fellow teacher at Johnston County, ABC11 was told she's been instructed not to talk by her employer.
James McNamara had been at Corinth Holders High School since Aug. 2010 as a history and civics teacher.
His next court date is now May 25.
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