IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — An Iredell County teacher is facing multiple charges for an alleged sexual relationship with a student, deputies said.
Elizabeth Suzanne Bailey, 36, is charged with felony statutory rape of a person who is 15 years of age or younger, indecent liberties with a minor and sexual activity with a student. Iredell County deputies first learned of Bailey's alleged relationship on July 20.
Detectives served warrants for digital and social media communications between Bailey and the victim. They also interviewed the victim as part of the investigation, in addition to multiple witnesses. Bailey was charged with all three felonies and surrendered to police on Monday, Aug. 1.
On Monday, Bailey was served two additional charges for Felony Statutory Sex Offense with a Child Under 15, and Misdemeanor Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, for alleged crimes against the original victim.
Bailey, who works at Northview Academy, previously Pressly School, was suspended with pay, pending the results of the investigation, Iredell-Statesville Schools announced. She was first employed by the district in February 2010 as an assistant.
Bailey was given a $75,000 bond and placed on house arrest with electronic monitoring. She also has a DWI level 5 offense in her background, according to the Iredell County Sheriff's Office.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case because more victims could come forward to police.