Sun Valley High School senior charged with sexual battery

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — A Sun Valley High School senior is now facing charges of misdemeanor sexual battery.

Deputies said 17-year-old David Brown inappropriately touched four girls from his high school.

Union County Capt. Ronnie Whitaker said the incidents were first reported in October.

"The principal was made aware of these sexual harassments and in turn notified our school resource officer," he said.

Whitaker said that led to an investigation into the allegations.

Investigators said Brown touched the girls by force or against their will multiple times on campus and just down the street from the school at the Sun Valley McDonald's.

Brown was arrested and released to his parents. He was ordered not to have contact with the four girls and is due in court next month.

Whitaker hopes his arrest sends a message to other students.

"It's sexual harassment and really it's bullying so to speak, but a person just does not have the right to touch another person like that when it's not wanted," Whitaker said.

Union County Public Schools does have a policy against sexual harassment and violence.

Due to a federal privacy law, the district could not tell Channel 9 whether any action has taken against Brown.

To see more local news stories, click here.

WSOC