MONROE, N.C. — A teacher at the Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA) is facing allegations he had inappropriate contact with a student.
The Monroe Police Department said in a news release Thursday 35-year-old Cory McDowell, an English teacher at the school, was charged and arrested on Wednesday, June 9 for indecent liberties by a teacher with a student. The department says they were told about the alleged inappropriate behavior on May 25 and started investigating.
McDowell has already appeared before a magistrate and received a secured bond.
The department is still working with Union County Public Schools on this investigation and is asking for more information to be called in to (704) 282-4700.
UCPS tells WCNC Charlotte McDowell is on administrative leave with pay.
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 the crime involves allegations of misconduct by a teacher against a student, thus meeting our severity metric.
