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Authorities: Ballantyne middle school teacher accused of sharing child pornography

CHARLOTTE — A teacher at Community House Middle School in Ballantyne is accused of sharing child pornography, according to authorities.

Adrian Taylor, 47, was arrested Tuesday on three felony charges for sexual exploitation of a minor.

A Charlotte-Mecklenburg police report connected to this case said the investigation started on Nov. 24 and listed charges including sexual exploitation and possessing and distributing pornography/obscene material.

On Feb. 8, they executed a search warrant at a home while Taylor was there and found physical evidence of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Taylor was identified as a suspect and found to be a CMS employee.

Police arrested him and took him to jail, charging him with three counts of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

“I take these matters very seriously and will be working with law enforcement to address them in a manner that ensures the well-being of all students and is in accordance with district policies,” the school’s principal said in an email sent to families. That email did not name the teacher.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools confirmed to Channel 9 that Community House Middle School employee Adrian Taylor was suspended with pay starting Tuesday.

According to the school’s website, Taylor has been working as a language teacher.

Full letter CMS sent to families:

“Good afternoon, Community House families,

This is Principal Slattery with an important message concerning our school. My goal is to provide a safe learning environment for all students and staff at all times. It has come to my attention that criminal charges have been brought against one of our teachers. An active investigation is underway by law enforcement,. and CMS will cooperate fully with investigators. I take these matters very seriously and will be working with law enforcement to address them in a manner that ensures the well-being of all students and is in accordance with district policies. Please understand that we have been provided limited information at this time, but I will update you as soon as there is more information available. Thank you for your support of Community House Middle School.”

CMPD asked anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or anonymously submit a tip by clicking here.

(WATCH BELOW: Former substitute teacher accused of sending sexually explicit material to teens)