SENSITIVE CONTENT: A male school bus driver, who goes by the name “Ms. Sharon,” is facing multiple sexual assault charges after allegedly luring several teenage boys to his Charlotte, North Carolina home and offering money in exchange for sex.
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According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, the bus driver has been identified as 48-year-old Leetwain Darrell Tate, also known as “Ms. Sharon.” Tate is a former charter school bus driver who previously worked at Sugar Creek Charter School. The school suspended the driver during the weeks-long sex crimes investigation. Then, on September 28, the school officially terminated Tate’s employment.
On September 30, detectives with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Crimes Against Children (CAC) Unit and Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT) Unit arrested and charged Tate in a CAC investigation involving juveniles, ages 14 to 15.
According to WCNC Charlotte, an arrest affidavit indicates there were at least four victims. WCNC reports there were several boys who stayed at Tate’s residence. At least one reported that Tate, who is listed as 5-foot-7 and 210 pounds, offered them money for sexual acts.Preliminary information indicates that the alleged incidents did not occur on school property or while Tate was operating a school bus. Detectives still believe there may be more victims and urge anyone with information to come forward.
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Police Arrest Male School Bus Driver Known As ‘Ms Sharon’ On Sexual Assault Charges
Police said they arrested Tate without incident and transported the driver to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC). There, the driver spoke with detectives. Following the interrogation, police charged the school bus driver with: Statutory Rape (two counts); Indecent Liberties with a Minor (six counts); and Statutory Sex Offense (one count).
Police then transferred Tate to the custody of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. Tate remains in Mecklenburg County Jail, held on a $1 million bond.
Furthermore, Tate’s family insists that the driver is innocent, according to WCNC Charlotte. The family doesn’t believe he is guilty of the charges. However, neighbors say they are “disturbed” by the allegations. Tate’s next court appearance is scheduled for Oct. 16.
Police And Sugar Creek Charter School Release Statements After Male School Bus Driver Known As ‘Ms Sharon’ Is Arrested On Sexual Assault Charges
Additionally, during a press briefing on September 30, CMPD Lieutenant Corey Geohagen said:
“I appreciate the work of the Crimes Against Children unit for their serious investigation, as well as the courage of these juvenile victims who came forward in this case. This is, by no means, easy for the victims to relive the terrible crimes committed against them, but their courage led to the arrest of a violent criminal. In many cases, crimes against children are never reported. Fear, shame, or threats of an abuser keep the victim silent, meaning there’s always a chance that more victims are suffering, suffering in silence.”
School leadership shared this statement with WCNC Charlotte:
“The administration of Sugar Creek Charter School was informed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department that a staff member employed as a bus driver was under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor. The staff member was immediately placed on administrative leave without pay while CMPD conducted its investigation, and their employment with Sugar Creek Charter School was subsequently terminated.
The safety and well-being of our students are taken with the utmost priority, and we are deeply saddened and concerned by these charges. At this time, we have not received any information indicating that the alleged misconduct occurred on campus or during the performance of their job. School leaders have informed the parents/guardians and faculty of this incident, while still protecting the privacy of the minors involved and avoiding interference with the police investigation. We are disturbed by the impact this incident has on the victim, the family, and our school community. Counseling services are available to students and faculty members.
All Sugar Creek Charter School candidates undergo a multi-step hiring process, including a national background check and reference checks, before an offer of employment is made. At the time of hire, the former employee in question met all requirements necessary to fulfill the position.
Sugar Creek Charter School will continue to fully cooperate with the police as the investigation and legal process proceed.”
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
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