A North Carolina school bus driver, who identifies as a woman and goes by the name “Ms. Sharon,” was apprehended last week, facing serious allegations of sexual abuse against minors.
Leetwain Darrell Tate, 48, has been arrested following an investigation involving juveniles aged 14 to 15. The accusations suggest that he has victimized at least four children, with one reportedly being offered money for sexual acts, according to the arrest affidavit.
As per the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Tate faces charges including two counts of statutory rape, six counts of indecent liberties with a minor, and one count of statutory sex offense.
Tate is currently in the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
In a related report from WCNC:
Tate’s family, who attended the court proceedings on Wednesday, maintain that Tate is innocent.
Previously employed as a bus driver at Sugar Creek Charter School, Tate was suspended during the investigation and subsequently terminated from his employment on Sunday, according to police communications.
Initial information suggests that the alleged incidents occurred off school property and not while Tate was operating a school bus, according to police reports.
The arrest affidavit reviewed by WCNC Charlotte indicates there are at least four victims, with multiple boys reportedly staying at Tate’s residence. Notably, at least one child indicated being offered money in exchange for sexual acts.
“It’s pretty disturbing that it hits so close to home. You’re just shocked,” remarked local resident Tony Sanders. “At that impressionable age, 14 or 15, it’s a shame to think someone would take advantage of them; it’s incredibly alarming.”
The school released a statement asserting that Tate “met all requirements necessary to fulfill the position” at the time of hiring. However, this has sparked concerns among parents regarding the adequacy of the school’s background check procedures.
Jordan Conradson, formerly a correspondent for TGP in Arizona, is currently reporting from Washington DC. He has played a significant role in exposing electoral fraud and corruption in Arizona, contributing to the resignation of an election official. Subsequently, he faced a ban from the Maricopa County press room but successfully regained access after a lawsuit against Maricopa County, America’s fourth-largest county, which culminated at the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals. Conradson anticipates sharing his incisive journalism style in the political landscape of the capital.
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