His arrest shocked the community. Now for the first time since the former Executive Director of Lincoln's Project Youth has been charged - his family's speaking out on his behalf.

Nearly a month after three youth say they were sexually assaulted by former coach and Lincoln youth director, Joe Ballard, his sister Angel Ballard is coming to his defense.

Angel Ballard, "I am 100% clear that I don't feel he did this. I know Joe inside and out and I think Joe would have at least... I would have noticed something."

Serese Cole, "How would you describe his relationship with the boys he coached?
Angel Ballard, "Fatherly, friendly, bossy, fun, playful. We would break bread together. I would just see them as extended family."

Serese Cole, "Was it unusual for him to have young boys over his house and spend the night?
Angel Ballard, "As far as I know, it wasn't unusual. He cared for people. He would let their children stay when their lights were off - or their gas or whatever.
Serese Cole, "But never in your mind anything inappropriate?
Angel Ballard, "No."

As for her brother's accusers...
Angel Ballard, "I feel that everybody is in turmoil right now. I can't pity what I don't believe and what I don't think happened."

She says her brother knew early on he wanted to help kids.

"We had basically everything we wanted and needed. We traveled we had fun and our house was the spot - all the kids came to our house. Joe picked up on that... as far as buying shoes and clothes and food for other families. I watched him spread himself thin, and I just feel like he's not getting his fair shake right now because he's not being able to speak for himself.

So now she's doing the talking despite her fear how this could all end.

Angel Ballard, "I am worried. I do hear things. I just hope everything is okay for both sides. I personally don't care what the outcome is. If there's an issue that needs to be addressed then we need to do that. I can't throw him away."

Joe Ballard remains in jail.
His next court appearance is March 16th.