CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C.,None — A former teacher with the Cabarrus School System has been arrested and charged with having inappropriate physical contact with two female students.
Christopher White, 36, is charged with one count of statutory sex offense and two counts of unlawful sexual activity by a teacher.
White formerly taught social studies at Concord High School. According to the district, he taught from August 2004 until June 2005. He returned to substitute for three days in 2008.
The district said there were no reports of inappropriate actions with students during that time. It released the following statement:
"Cabarrus County Schools was deeply troubled to learn about these allegations. Our school system is committed to protecting each and every child enrolled in our schools. We do not tolerate such behavior from our employees and will investigate all such claims fully.
The alleged offender has not been an employee of Cabarrus County Schools for several years, and we had no prior knowledge of the alleged incidents.
It is important to note that the alleged offender is not to be confused with a current CCS employee with the same name.
If the allegations are true, this certainly constitutes a violation of Board Policy. We have cooperated with the Concord Police Department throughout its investigation into these allegations."
Investigators said the alleged offenses happened during the 2004-2005 school year. The investigation began after one of the victims contacted authorities last month.
Police said the two accusers were 15 and 17 at the time of the alleged offenses. Police said they are concerned there could be more victims.
"We recognize there could be other victims," said Maj. Allen Overcash with the Concord Police Department. "(I'm) not saying there's a pattern in this case, but we realize there's a possibility there's a pattern so we need it to stop."
White was taken into custody at the Concord Police Department on Monday morning and taken to the Cabarrus County Jail.
According to Concord Police, White is currently employed at Back Creek Christian Academy, which is a private K-8 school in the university area of Charlotte. On the school's website, a Chris White is listed as a Latin teacher.
Jennifer Hixson said White teaches two of her children at Back Creek. She does not believe the accusations against him. "It's ridiculous; he's a terrific teacher," said Hixson.
Back Creek Christian Academy parents told Eyewitness News they received a phone message saying White was on administrative leave due to a personal crisis. Parents were also told they would be getting a letter about the matter later.
Channel 9 spoke with the head of the school, Janet Ballard, by phone to find out if the school was planning to take any action in light of the allegations. She said the school would not be making any comments right now.