GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A social studies teacher at North Gaston High School has been charged with indecent liberties with a student, police said.
Officials identified the teacher as 23-year-old Stewart Rice. He is also a Junior Varsity Basketball Coach at the high school.
Gaston County police said the investigation started after a staff member at the high school told the school resource officer. The staff member told the SRO that information had surfaced about a teacher who was in an inappropriate relationship with a student.
Rice and the female juvenile were interviewed by police.
The Gaston County District Attorney's Office decided to charge Rice in the case.
Rice turned himself in Tuesday morning to the Gaston County Magistrate's Office. He was released on a written promise to appear in court.
According to arrest warrants, the inappropriate contact happened in October, but police said it did not happen on campus.
The Gaston County School District released this statement on Rice's arrest:
“When we were made aware of the situation, we began working with the Gaston County Police Department on an investigation. Because this situation relates to personnel, we cannot provide details about the investigation. It is our procedure that whenever allegations related to an employee or a student are brought to our attention, we immediately begin an investigation and also rely on the police to conduct an investigation. We are taking the situation seriously and will continue to cooperate with the police.”
Rice has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. His first court appearance is Wednesday.
Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com: