EDEN, N.C. (WGHP) — A teacher at Morehead High School has been accused of having inappropriate sexual relations with a student. This led Rockingham County Schools and the Theatre Guild of Rockingham County to make public comments.
The Eden Police Department said that 24-year-old Jesse Michael Morris was charged with felony indecent liberties with a child and felony taking indecent liberties with a student by a teacher. Morris was given a bond of $75,000.
Police in Eden say they learnt about the alleged wrongdoing by at least one student on Wednesday.
The Theatre of the Arts teacher at Morehead High School in Eden is Morris. Rockingham County Schools say that he has been put on administrative leave.
Morris was the head of technical theatre for TGRC and was on its board. The theatre guild said in a statement, “This person has been fired indefinitely from our board and is no longer associated with TGRC in any way until a full investigation by law enforcement and review by our board can be conducted.” The job was mentioned as open on the guild’s website as of Friday morning.
The theatre guild made it clear that the claims are not against TGRC and do not relate to any TGRC performances.
Here is the full message from the Theatre Guild of Rockingham County:
To our valued organization members, patrons and members of our community:
There have been criminal allegations of misconduct involving minors against one of the members of the TGRC of Board of Directors. We are taking these allegations very seriously. TGRC has immediately terminated this person indefinitely from our Board and removed them from TGRC in every capacity until a full investigation by law enforcement and review by our board can be conducted.
While these allegations are not against our organization, and are not involving any of our productions, your safety and the safety of all our participants is our absolute highest priority. Internally, we will be reviewing our processes to see if we can further improve upon already existing safely measures. Members and participants of our organization are encouraged to reach out to us with any questions
TGRC has no comment further on the individual removed or on the law enforcement investigation at this time.
Rockingham County Schools released the following statement on Morris’ arrest on Friday morning.
“Rockingham County Schools (RCS) has been made aware of the recent arrest of Jesse Morris by local law enforcement. We understand the concern this news may cause within our community, and we want to assure our families and the public we are taking this situation very seriously.
“Upon learning of the allegations and consistent with State law, RCS took immediate and appropriate action by placing Mr. Morris on administrative leave. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement in their ongoing investigation to ensure our schools remain a safe environment for all students and staff.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority. RCS remains committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct and will continue to work diligently to maintain a safe and secure environment within our schools.
“Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we are unable to provide further details at this time. We appreciate your understanding and support as we navigate this difficult situation.”
Rockingham County Schools
The probe is still going on.