Teacher from Green Sea charged with sex crime involving Lake Waccamaw student
By DEUCE NIVEN
tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com
NOTE: This story has been edited to correct a description of the sex crime alleged against Jody Watts.
An allegation of “inappropriate communications” with a student at Thomas Academy in Lake Waccamaw has resulted in the arrest of a teacher from Green Sea on child sex charges.
Jody Watts, 49, of Watts Drive, Green Sea, was charged with indecent liberties with a student and first degree sexual exploitation of a minor, arrested by Lake Waccamaw Police on Nov. 20.
Watts was also charged with possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, Columbus County Detention Center records show. Watts was held without bond on the sex crime charges, with bail on the drug charges set at $1,200.
Lake Waccamaw Police Chief Scott Hyatt said his investigation began with a call from leadership at Thomas Academy, the charter school located on the Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina (BGHNC).
Officials with both the school and BGHNC “were made aware on Nov. 17 that a Thomas Academy employee allegedly engaged in inappropriate communication with a Thomas Academy student,” a statement released by BGHNC following Watts’ arrest said. “The employee’s work contract at Thomas Academy has been terminated.”
Watts is accused of coercing a 17 year-old BGHNC resident and Thomas Academy student to “engage in sexual activity” during a FaceTime encounter with Watts, who knew “knew the character and content of the performance,” the warrant obtained by Hyatt said.
The date of offense listed on the warrant is Sept. 1.
“It’s important to note that this did not happen at the school,” Hyatt said. “I’m glad it got caught. Our hearts go out to the families of those involved.”
Hyatt said the office of District Attorney Jon David provided valuable assistant, and remains involved “in this still developing case.”
Cooperation
BGHNC and Thomas Academy staff “are cooperating with law enforcement and the district attorney’s office,” the statement from both said. “Counselors are available at the school to assist any teachers or students affected by the news.
“The student involved is receiving support and counseling care through Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina.”
BGHNC President and CEO Marc Murphy issued a response from the home in the statement.
“Boys & Girls Homes is first and foremost concerned about youth safety at all times,” said Murphy. “We consider the care of all our children a serious responsibility and will not tolerate any lapses from that commitment within our organization.”
Because “this is a personnel matter and now in the court system,” the statement said there would be no additional comment “at this time.”
Look for updates on this story in the next Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.
