New court documents uncovered by the ABC11 I-Team on Friday reveal additional details in a case against a Wake County teacher accused of sexually abusing multiple victims.
Authorities say some of the alleged abuse spanned nearly a decade.
Steven Kohls, a teacher at Broughton High School since 2016, now faces 19 charges dating back to 2005. The newly released records provide deeper insight into several of those allegations.
The I-Team found court documents outlining claims that Kohls allegedly abused one child over nearly 10 years, from 2005 to 2014. Investigators say that abuse happened at least six times during that period.
Prosecutors allege Kohls abused three different victims. Wake County school officials have said the alleged incidents did not occur on campus.
"This is a real breach of trust, and, and it's, and it's an awful situation," said Carl Fox, a retired North Carolina Superior Court judge.
Neighbors in Holly Springs, where Kohls lived, told Eyewitness News off camera they were shocked. They also said they saw police activity in their neighborhood earlier this week.
Earlier Friday, prosecutors presented six additional charges, bringing the total to 19. Legal experts say cases involving older allegations can pose challenges.
"Anytime you have a case that's 20 years old, then that definitely presents some issues as far as proof goes," Fox said.
Experts say corroboration is often key in cases like this and say additional evidence or witnesses can strengthen a prosecution.
"One of the things that really helps the prosecution in a case like this is corroboration. That is, either do you have more victims, do you have physical evidence, do you have another witness," Fox said.
Raleigh police said the investigation remains ongoing. Kohls is scheduled to return to court Monday on the new charges.
During his arraignment on Thursday Kohls asked the judge, "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."
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 is currently suspended from his job but will receive pay while being held in jail without bond.
The ABC11 I-Team also learned Kohls previously served with Scouting America Troop 236 in Raleigh. The organization said his membership has been revoked and that he is permanently banned from its events.
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.
Accused teacher was also involved in Boy Scouts