South Mecklenburg High School teacher accused of sexual assault of students
Charlotte NC May 13 2017 A South Mecklenburg High School teacher accused of sexual contact with two students was identified Thursday morning.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police arrested Juan Vazquez, 28, Wednesday after he was accused of having inappropriate contact with students. He faces three felony counts of indecent liberties with a student and three felony counts of a sex act with a student.
Vazquez has been with the school since 2013. He teaches AP and Honors English.
Vazquez had his first appearance in court Thursday morning. WBTV, the Observer’s news partner, said Vazquez had students at his apartment for a study session, and the victims were two male students.
WSOC reported one of the victims was photographed in their underwear, and that Vazquez discussed a threesome with one of the victims.
Vazquez’s next court date is May 24 for a bond hearing, and a probable cause hearing on May 31, according to the district attorney’s office.
According to Vazquez’s classroom site, he moved to Charlotte when he was 16 and graduated from Garinger High School. He received his degree in English education from UNC Greensboro.
In 2008, the Observer reported Vazquez was the recipient of a scholarship he used to help fund his education and dream of becoming a high school English teacher.
South Mecklenburg principal Maureen Furr told parents about the investigation in a statement, and said the school is working closely with police.
“I want to assure you that I am committed to the physical, social, and emotional safety of all of our students,” Furr said in her statement. “Upon learning of the allegations, school leadership and CMS Police took immediate action and we will continue to assist law enforcement in any way necessary during this investigation.”
Vazquez was suspended from the school with pay. Yaviri Escalera, a CMS spokesperson, said there’s no indication that any incidents occurred on campus.
Vazquez is prohibited from having contact with the students.
Charlotte Observer
