Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police have arrested a school bus driver, Leetwain Darrell Tate, 48, also known as “Sharon” or “Ms. Sharon,” in connection with a child sex crimes investigation involving young teenagers.
Tate, who CMPD said identifies as a female, was taken into custody without incident on the morning of September 30.
Tate, a former school bus driver at Sugar Creek Charter School, faces multiple charges, including two counts of statutory rape, one count of statutory sex offense, and six counts of indecent liberties with a minor, according to Queen City News.
Authorities confirmed that Tate was suspended during the investigation and officially fired on September 29.
The reported incidents, involving victims aged 14 to 15, did not occur on school property or while Tate was on duty as a bus driver, as stated by CMPD.
The former Charlotte school bus driver is being held on a $1 million secured bond.
Queen City News reported that Tate appeared in court for his first court appearance on October 1, where a judge appointed a public defender and mandated no contact with victims or prosecuting witnesses. The Crimes Against Children Unit of CMPD suspects there may be additional victims.
Tate’s troubles began when a parent reported that he allegedly sexually assaulted their child. Police were called to Peachtree Road and Corvis Road on September 16 following the parent’s accusations. Their investigation found that several teenagers at Tate’s house were involved in inappropriate and illegal sexual activity.
Authorities confirmed that these events took place at Tate’s home and not on school grounds or during school hours.
While his family maintains his innocence, neighbors have expressed their disturbance over the allegations.
“It’s pretty disturbing that it is so close to home and you are just shocked,” a neighbor Tony Sanders told WCNC.
“To me it’s a shame. Fourteen, 15 years old can be so impressionable at that age. To think someone would take advantage of that is very alarming,” he added.
