East Lincoln High Teacher Faces Indecent Liberties Charge

A former Lincolnton teacher is accused of a sex crime involving a student.

Jeremiah Howard Wood, 28, was charged Wednesday with one count of taking indecent liberties with a student by school personnel.

Wood was a science teacher at East Lincoln High School and also coached track, cross country and junior varsity wrestling. Police said he had inappropriate contact with a 15-year-old girl while on the school's campus March 19.

Wood quit his job and turned himself in to police. He had his first court appearance Thursday morning and was released from jail on $9,500 bond.

Investigators said because of the age of the victim and the nature of the case, they can't reveal much more information, but students said they're shocked. Several of Wood's students said they can't believe the accusations. They said he was a well-respected man and one of their favorite teachers.

This is the second indecent liberties case this school year at East Lincoln High School. John Beatty, also 28, faces seven felony charges. He was an 11th-grade history teacher before quitting in October. Beatty is accused of having a six-month relationship with a 17-year-old girl.