Local Teacher Charged With Sexual Activity With Student

MAIDEN, N.C.,None — A local high school teacher was charged with sexual activity with a student Monday.

Christopher Caldwell, a band teacher at Maiden High School, turned himself in to Sheriff's deputies Tuesday afternoon.

A grand jury indicted 25-year-old Caldwell on charges of sexual activity with a student and taking indecent liberties with a student.

Tuesday evening, Caldwell posted a $9500 bond. A magistrate ordered him to stay away from anyone under the age of 18. Click here to watch Caldwell bond out of jail. Caldwell is scheduled in court on Friday.

Deputies said the allegations center on an incident that happened earlier this month on school grounds and involved a 17-year-old.

Eyewitness News has learned that school district officials learned of the matter the following day and launched its own investigation.

Caldwell has been suspended without pay.

Many parents, like Maria McDaniel, said they are stunned by the allegations.

"I'm hoping [children] are safe at school," McDaniel said. "That's what I'm wishing and hoping for, that they're safe at school."

Students said he was well respected at the high school for improvements he's made to the band program.

"He was always real nice and real friendly," student Everett Dragon said. "The band had gotten better the last two years since he had been here."

In the time Caldwell has been at Maiden High School, the size of the band has nearly doubled. Caldwell planned to lead a trip to Washington, D.C. this summer for a band competition.

"My thoughts are he didn't do it," student Jeremy Truitt said. "It's very surprising in a small town. I just don't think he did it."

The district has called a meeting of board members Friday. They could decide to take further action then.

WSOC