CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) – An Orange County teacher is now off the job and facing multiple charges related to child pornography.
Stefan Anders, a former fifth-grade teacher at New Hope Elementary School, faces 15 counts of third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He had been suspended last month.
Investigators with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Anders had multiple photographs and they have more digital material to process.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children got a tip in February about possible child porn pictures. Last month, investigators seized multiple computers, cell phones, thumb drives, and assorted camera equipment.
This also included three computers belonging to Orange County Schools. Officials confirmed to CBS 17 those three computers were located at New Hope Elementary School at the time.
Orange County Schools officials said no students are connected with the charges.
Anders has resigned from his teaching position.
Prior to his resignation, Orange County Schools administrators immediately suspended Anders and prohibited him from being on campus when they learned about allegations.
Julie Crawley has family members who work at New Hope Elementary School. She learned of the charges through social media.
“I love teachers,” Crawley said. “I think they’re very special people. But our children spend more time with teachers then they do at home a lot of times.”
Anders already appeared before a magistrate and was released on a written promise. CBS 17 reached out to Anders about the allegations, but he did not comment ON the matter.
Anders is expected to appear in court Thursday afternoon.