Belville teacher on paid leave after stalking charge

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A teacher at Belville Elementary School is on paid leave after her arrest on a misdemeanor stalking charge.

Laura Jane Patten, 41, was arrested last week and posted a $5,000 bond.

According to Brunswick County Schools spokeswoman Jessica Swencki, Patten is on paid administrative leave for three days in order to complete the investigation into the charges filed against her. Her paid leave began Monday and ends Wednesday.

The StarNews reports the warrant is domestic related. It states Patten drove past the alleged victim’s house slowly on three occasions.

Patten was hired by Brunswick County schools in February of 2006. She has been a teacher since 1999, according to Belville Elementary’s website.

She is scheduled to be in court on June 8.