Deputies: photos, VHS tape in home of teacher accused of sex offense with student
DURHAM (WTVD) -- Newly released search warrants reveal what Durham County deputies say they found inside the home of a former Durham County teacher charged with having sex with a student.
In July, deputies arrested and charged 37-year-old Michelle White with indecent liberties and sex offense with a student. White, a former dance teacher at Jordan High School, resigned from her position in April. The search warrant shows her resignation came in the midst of the school district's second investigation into the reported inappropriate relationship.
Deputies say White formed a relationship with a 15-year-old female student in September 2012 that lasted for two years, eventually becoming sexual.
Inside her house on Penrith Drive, deputies say they found and seized dozens of items, including a VHS tape with the alleged victim's name on it, framed photos of Michelle White with the victim, and handwritten notes White's husband Phillip addressed to the victim.
Phillip White has not been charged in this case. Deputies say text messages between Michelle and the victim show references to a "threesome," alluding to Phillip's involvement.
Neighbors tell ABC11 that the Whites moved away about a week ago. The house on Penrith Drive now sits empty, but neighbors didn't know where they went.
"Whenever something like that happens you know, whether somebody's guilty or not, it kinda sets you back, especially when you're- we're raising kids of our own now," said Daniel Coates, who lives right up the street from the White's.
Durham Public Schools carried out two investigations into the reported inappropriate relationship between Michelle White and a student. It was during the latest probe in April that White resigned.
