Isaac Bear Early College High School teacher accused of indecent liberties with students

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A chemistry teacher at Isaac Bear Early College High School is in the New Hanover County Detention Center under a $1 million bond, accused of sex crimes involving five students.

Michael Earl Kelly, 48, was arrested late Tuesday as part of a joint investigation between the FBI and New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office says detectives were notified by the FBI of a victim who had child pornographic pictures on their phone.  Detectives began their investigation and arrested Kelly on Tuesday.

Kelly made his first court appearance via video conference on Wednesday afternoon. Assistant District Attorney Connie Jordan said a 15-year-old reported the incident to law enforcement.

Kelly is charged with three counts of indecent liberties with a student and one count of third degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

Jordan said the sexual exploitation of a minor charge could be increased from third degree to first degree, because as of right now, they are not sure how many images of child pornography there are.

According to the arrest warrant, Kelly had an image of a naked 15-year-old boy. The warrants state the alleged crime happened from August 9, 2017 to February 6, 2018.

A New Hanover County Schools spokesperson says Kelly is suspended without pay. Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley has also started proceedings to dismiss Kelly.

Schools spokeswoman Valita Quattlebaum emailed the following statement from Dr. Markley, “While we can’t discuss the specifics of this case at this time, we take these allegations very seriously,” it reads. “Our primary concern is the safety and protection of the students. We will take all steps necessary to ensure this.”

Kelly was hired in August of 1992. In March of 2016, Kelly was nominated by several students and became WWAY’s Teacher of the Week.

If Kelly makes bond, he is forbidden to contact the victims or their families, can not be on school grounds, and must not be in the presence of any minor without direct supervision.

His next court appearance is set for February 22.