Wake County teacher accused of sexual relationship with former student
KINSTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- A Wake County teacher is accused of having a sexual relationship with a student when he taught in Lenoir County, WCTI reports. Deputies said it happened during the 2015-2016 school year when Timothy Allen Bennett, 39, was a teacher at South Lenoir High School.
Deputies said he was arrested while on his way to pick up the teen and drive him back to his home in Raleigh. Authorities said the two had been in communication since he left Kinston.
Bennett left South Lenoir in August 2016 and began working for the Wake County Public School System.
Sheriff Ronnie Ingram said deputies started investigating when the 18-year-old's parents asked them to look into it.
"This is another unfortunate case of a teacher taking advantage of a young person who is not yet prepared to make adult decisions," said Ingram. "Teachers are in positions to mold our children."
Ingram said they do not believe Lenoir County Public Schools or South Lenoir High School had any knowledge of the incident.
A Wake County schools spokesperson said Bennett is currently suspended from Sanderson High School, where he's listed as a fine arts teacher on their website, and prohibited from being on any WCPSS property.
Bennett was charged with one count of sexual activity with a student and one count of crime against nature. He was taken to the W.E. "Billy" Smith Detention Center under a $40,000 bond.
Anyone with information regarding this case or any others involved should contact the Lenoir County Sheriff's Office at (252) 559-6100.
