The 57-year-old Kohls, of Dunn, asked a question at his arraignment: "Will I get a copy of who the victims are when I get my attorney?"
He also said this in court: "I don't know if there was anything else. I'm sorry about all of this."
Some of his former Broughton students were taken aback when their teacher from auto body shop class was arrested Wednesday.
"Me and a bunch of my friends were extremely surprised," one student said, "Knowing that something happened, Oh my God. I don't know if I ever want to see him again."
Another student said, "They're (teachers) the people that's in the building around us almost every day, five days a week. So it's kind of shocking."
On Wednesday, the sheriff's office said the charges stemmed from allegations that happened in 2005.
Broughton Principal Janiece Ditts reemphasized that point on Thursday, saying, "The charged conduct is alleged to have occurred in 2005 and is not related to incidents that occurred on our campus or with our current students."
Accused teacher was also involved in Boy Scouts
Involvement with Scouts
Two young adults who attended the hearing said Kohls was involved in the Boy Scouts. The I-Team learned Thursday evening that Kohls served with a local Scouting America troop in the Raleigh area.
Troop 236 in Raleigh told ABC11 that it had no comment or statement to make and referred future inquiries to a Scout executive.
Scouting America took swift action Thursday evening after learning of Kohls' arrest.
"We are aware of the arrest of Steven Kohls. His membership in Scouting has been revoked, and he has been permanently prohibited from any participation in Scouting programs," Occoneechee Council of Scouting America said in a statement to ABC11.
The council said it will continue to "cooperate fully with law enforcement."
Scouting America also said it "maintains a comprehensive safeguarding framework designed to prevent abuse and respond immediately to concerns, noting that key measures include:
- mandatory safeguarding training for all volunteers and employees,
- policies requiring two trained adults and prohibiting one-on-one interactions in all settings, including digital communication,
- a screening process for adult leaders and staff that includes criminal background checks,
- restrictions on the use of recording devices in private areas, and
- mandatory reporting of suspected abuse to law enforcement.
Scouting America also said it provides a 24/7 Scouts First Helpline (844)-SCOUTS1, including call and text options, and an email contact to report concerns. Additional information on youth protection for scouting is available here.
Scouting America also partners with the Department of Homeland Security's iGuardian program to help young people recognize and respond to online risks. Resources are available here.
Wake County school officials say they suspended Kohls in 2022, but district officials could not reveal the circumstances of what led to that suspension.
Kohls was not charged with a crime in 2022 and was later fully reinstated to his job at Broughton.
He has been suspended from his job but will receive pay while being held in jail without bond.