Asst. principal faces sex charges

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. -- A South Iredell High School assistant principal is in trouble with the law. Lamar Lewis, 39, who was promoted to the position just two months ago, is accused of an unthinkable crime with one of the female students he was paid to supervise.

"It's a very, very serious incident -- one that the faculty of every school needs to keep their eyes on," Troutman police chief Matthew Selves told WCNC.

In fact, it was school security cameras that in part led to Lewis' arrest. Police won't say exactly what the video showed, only that it supports the student's claim that the assistant principal performed a sexual act in front of her.

The girl came forward to a teacher on March 10. Police were contacted and an internal investigation by the school begun.

The next day, Lewis was placed on administrative leave with pay. But it wasn't until today, 10 days later, that parents and students got word.

"No matter what the outcome, the entire situation is regrettable," Iredell-Statesville Schools spokeswoman Dawn Creason said.

"We feel for the student and her family and hope we get the entire matter resolved."

Lewis' first court appearance was on Thursday. He has been with the Iredell-Statesville Schools since 2005.