Couple makes court appearance with separate lawyers

RALEIGH

Police say the incidents happened in the home of John and Shannon Morreale between April and May.

John Morreale did not want to be photographed after his court appearance Wednesday morning. He was seen with his wife, Shannon Morreale, minutes after they faced a judge who asked the couple if they had legal representation.

Police say the couple, who lives in Cary, gave two 15-year-olds alcohol and marijuana.

Warrants also allege the couple gave both teens money to touch each other.

The Morreales are also accused of videotaping the teens naked without them knowing. According to one teen's statement, Shannon Morreale was seen and heard laughing on a videotape, while John Morreale exposed himself to the sleeping teens.

Cary Police say the crimes took place inside the Morreale home on Cedarpost Drive.

It's a neighborhood where for years, he's served on the homeowners association.

"I'm not surprised, but I am saddened to hear the news," neighbor Richard Stetter said. "It's not pleasant for any child to be exposed to something like that. It's horrible!"

John Morreale is the president of Tri Equity Management in Cary.

According to the company's Website, he's a former New Jersey police officer who coached youth sports there, as well as in Wake County.

The Morreales are also charged with giving alcohol to a third teen, but they and their lawyers had no comment about any of the charges as they left the courthouse Wednesday.

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