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Burke County school receptionist fired, indicted on child sex charges

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A school receptionist at Patton High School in Burke County has been indicted on child sex charges after school officials said she used Snapchat and texts to send inappropriate photos to a student.

Leigh Perkins Greene, of Morganton, was indicted on charges of attempted indecent liberties with a student, disseminating obscene pictures, third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and providing alcohol to a minor.

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The school district said Greene, 51, has been fired.

The indictment said Greene tried to take indecent liberties with a student at Patton High School while she was working there as a secretary. It also said Greene sent obscene photos of her genitals to the student through text messaging and Snapchat, and had photos of the student’s genitals.

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Greene was fired by Burke County Public Schools on July 11 and had worked in the district's schools since 2008.

“Our primary goal is always the safety and wellbeing of students and when questionable conduct arises, we take swift and appropriate action,” Burke County school said in a statement. “During the pre-employment process, we conduct background checks on potential employees. If criminal allegations arise during employment, we work directly with law enforcement to ensure a thorough investigation.”

Leigh Perkins Greene

(Leigh Perkins Greene)

Greene was silent as she was walked in and out of the courthouse Thursday.

Her bond was set at $25,000 with a first appearance in court set for Sept. 16, according to court documents.