Teacher Arrested

Ayden Police say retired Army Sergeant Joseph Mitchell was charged with indecent liberties with a student. The Ayden-Grifton High School teacher is still employed with the district despite the criminal charges police have brought against him.

Pitt County Schools Public Information Officer Heather Mayo, “The individual is on suspension with pay in which he has been since March 10th, 2009 and that is the day the allegation was brought to the principal.“

Mayo says Joseph Mitchell’s status with the school district will stay that way until the legal process is complete. Two days after the district found out about the allegation they turned the case over to Ayden Police.

Chief Tim Moseley says, “After we talked with several witnesses and students we took our findings to the D.A.‘s office and advised us to charge the individual.“

Moseley says the incident involves a 14-year-old student and that he’s not aware of any other students being involved.

Moseley says, “He picked her up at a public location here in Ayden, went to her home and in fact went inside her home and there was some inappropriate touching- allegedly.“

Mitchell has been with Pitt County Schools since January 2008 and Ayden Police say they have not dealt with him in the past.

Moseley says, “It’s inappropriate, Pitt County Schools is aware it’s inappropriate. They took the case very seriously from the beginning, it’s just totally inappropriate.“

Mitchell is scheduled to appear on the felony charge Thursday morning. Since Mitchell is charged with a felony, according to pending legislation, if convicted, Mitchell would have to register as a sex offender if the bill becomes law. A substitute teacher has taken over Mitchell’s classes and the head JROTC instructor is helping out, as well, according to Mayo.