North Carolina teacher charged with rape of young student

A North Carolina teacher has been charged with rape after having sexual relations with a student, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

Elizabeth Suzanne Bailey, 36, has been charged with felony statutory rape of a person who is 15 years of age or younger, felony indecent liberties with a minor, and felony sexual activity with a student, according to local news.

Detective Elliot Lane of the Special Victim’s Unit began investigating after receiving a report on July 20 about a teacher possibly having a sexual relationship with a student. After conducting several interviews with witnesses and the victim, authorities issued a warrant for digital and social media communications between Bailey and the victim.

Detectives obtained three felony arrest warrants for Bailey based on the evidence that was gathered. On Monday, she turned herself into the Iredell County Detention Center after an arrangement had been made between the district attorney’s office and her attorney. District Court Judge Carole Hicks issued a $75,000 secured bond and placed Bailey under House Arrest with electronic monitoring.

According to a statement from Iredell-Statesville Schools, Bailey is a science teacher at Northview Academy. Bailey began working in the Iredell-Statesville School District in February 2010 as an assistant.

The statement reads, "Elizabeth Suzanne Bailey of Statesville, NC has been suspended with pay pending an investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. Mrs. Bailey was charged today with Felony Statutory Rape of a Person who is 15 Years of Age or Younger, Felony Indecent Liberties with a Minor, and Felony Sexual Activity with a Student.

"Mrs. Bailey works at Northview Academy (formerly Pressly School). She was first employed with the Iredell-Statesville School District in February 2010 as an assistant. She has also served as an Exceptional Children’s Teacher, and most recently as a science teacher. The investigation is ongoing."