STATESVILLE, N.C. — Investigators have charged a Mitchell Community College grounds supervisor with allegedly stalking a student who attends the college.
Police said they were notified on Monday of the report the student made saying she was being stalked by John Phillip Barkley, 59. The victim is part of MCC’s early college program, a program on the college’s campus within the Iredell-Statesville School District.
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She told investigators the stalking began around Oct. 25 with Barkley following her to and from her classes. He also followed her to her car, yelling at her and beating her car window. She said the stalking escalated and shared other encounters she had with Barkley with police.
According to court documents, Barkley knew the victim’s class schedule. He’s also accused of stalking her at a gazebo area where she often studied on campus. His arrest warrants said he is also accused of grabbing the back of her head and trying to force his tongue inside the victim’s mouth.
Investigators charged Barkley for indecent liberties with a student, sexual battery, three counts of misdemeanor stalking, and one count of assault on a female. Barkley, who is from Stony Point, was taken into custody and remains in jail in Alexander County.
Several students Channel 9′s Dave Faherty spoke with said they’d seen Barkley on campus every day. They were stunned to learn the news of his arrest.
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“It was really shocking, especially since I was here every day and I would see him frequently, often on campus,” Perla Nunez said. “You just don’t expect to hear that type of stuff, especially at such a small college.”
“We take the safety of our students very seriously,” said ISS Superintendent Jeff James. “We appreciate the swift work of Chief Addison and the Statesville Police Department. The safety and well-being of our students are paramount on all of our campuses, including our early college students who attend the MCC campus in Statesville.”
“Mitchell always places our students first. This starts with their safety as the number one priority,” said Mitchell Community College President, Dr. Tim Brewer. “We also appreciate the swift action of the Statesville Police Department.”
Channel 9 asked students on Wednesday if they feel safe while on campus.
“I felt as if this campus is safe,” said student Emiliano Tristan. “Just the idea that someone that you wouldn’t consider having done something very terrifying … it’s concerning.”
MCC officials said Barkley was placed on administrative leave when they learned of the incident. He has been employed as a grounds maintenance supervisor at MCC for ten years, officials said.
According to RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, 5.8% of students have experienced stalking since entering college. Thirteen percent of students have been sexually assaulted, and more than 50% of college sex assaults happen in either August, September, October, or November.
If you or someone you know might be a victim of sexual assault, call the National Sex Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE.
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