CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A prosecutor’s testimony painted a horrid picture Friday of what students said happened inside Primrose School of Ballantyne where a former employee is accused of inappropriately touching students.
[PAST COVERAGE: Man accused of fondling 2 children at Ballantyne day care center]
Attorneys said during a bond hearing that the Department of Social Services received a complaint that former teacher Joseph Starnes was "too touchy feely."
Starnes is accused of 12 counts of indecent liberties with a child.
Prosecutors said Starnes inappropriately touched an 8-year-old eight to 10 times and one time the child yelled "stop touching" him inappropriately, but teachers thought the child was referring to another student.
[PAST COVERAGE: Primrose franchise terminated after former worker accused of fondling children]
Attorneys also said Starnes would also put children on his lap.
A Mecklenburg County judge refused to unsecure his bond. His bail is set at $240,000
Attorney also says Starnes would frequently put children on his lap and push them off when someone walked in @wsoctv
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) March 24, 2017
Attorneys for Starnes argued he doesn't pose a threat to others and isn't a flight risk. If Starnes is released from jail he will have to wear an electronic monitor.
Starnes is due in court again March 31 for a probable cause hearing.
Cox Media Group
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