School employee on leave, accused of texting kids

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A Union County school employee and part-time county worker is on paid leave after allegations surfaced he was inappropriately texting children.

Monroe police confirmed Friday they are investigating Raymond Nixon, but they wouldn’t offer further comment.

Nixon has been employed part-time at the Union County Department of Social Services Group Home as a community social services assistant since July 2010.

At the home, he worked with children of all ages who are neglected, abused and challenged, until a DSS worker received information about the allegations.

County officials said Nixon was suspended on paid leave and added the DSS Board would make a decision on his future pending the results of the police investigation.

Nixon has also coached JV boys basketball at Union Academy, a charter school in Monroe, for the past two years.

The headmaster there told Channel 9 he first learned of the police investigation on Wednesday and immediately suspended Nixon from his coaching duties.

Since 2001, Nixon has also been employed in various roles with Union County Public Schools.

District officials said Nixon has fulfilled various roles at multiple schools, including driving a bus and working as a teacher's assistant with exceptional children.

UCSP said they also placed Nixon on paid leave on Wednesday after hearing from police.

Residents were saddened to hear about the allegations.

"It surprises me. I think it should be brought to a halt," said John Thompson of Monroe.

Nixon has not been arrested and authorities have not filed any criminal charges against him.

WSOC