Wake County special education teacher arrested on assault charges from 2022

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- A special education teacher in Wake County stands accused of assaulting students.

The Wake County District Attorney's Office charged James Rencher III with 12 counts of assault on an individual with a disability.

Wake County Sheriff's Office said it received a report from Wake County Public School System about possible assaults on two special education students at East Wake High School back in 2022.

After a thorough investigation, the district attorney believed there was enough evidence to charge Rencher in the case.

Investigators said Rencher once kicked a yoga ball out from underneath a student sitting on the ball. That student fell to the ground and got hurt.

Another time, he reportedly grabbed a students head and forced him to look down at his assignment.

On Friday, Rencher turned himself in. Wake County Sheriff's Office said the case remained an open investigation.

Disability Rights North Carolina told ABC11 this was an example of what families should do in cases like this. They should bring the issue to authorities and let the investigation play out. The group said assaults like this are rare, but they happen enough that it's important for authorities to take all allegations seriously and investigate them thoroughly.

"The vast majority of people working in this space are good and kind and well trained and caring. That doesn't mean that we don't need to look for the exceptions, so I want parents to understand that when they say see something is off it's OKto say something," Corye Dunn said.

Dunn said when students can't speak up for themselves, it's a moral obligation that their loved ones and those in charge of caring for them step up.

"It's a big step, and it's our only option. If we aren't willing to look honestly at what's happening to our kids and to some of the most vulnerable among us then what are we doing?" Dunn said. "We have to be brave enough to take a look and be honest about what we see."

Rencher also worked at another middle school after his time at East Wake High School. He left the district in April 2024.

Wake County Public School System sent the following statement to ABC11:

WCPSS is aware of the criminal charges that have been filed against former employee, James Rencher, and the school system has cooperated fully with law enforcement's investigation.

While the school system cannot comment on the scope of any particular personnel matter, it is our practice to review allegations that arise during the course of an investigation. We cannot comment on specific reports made to law enforcement which would be considered confidential student and personnel information. It is the school system's expectation that allegations of abuse be reported to law enforcement as required by law.

Creating and maintaining a safe environment for students is our utmost priority, and we recognize those efforts are essential to building trust with the families of our students. The school system continually reviews its practices to consider how its processes and training can be improved in support of this priority.