Former dance instructor pleads guilty to felony sexual misconduct involving students

NORTH CAROLINA (WWAY) — A former dance instructor accused of sexual misconduct involving students pleaded guilty Monday, Nov. 9, to felony child abuse in New Hanover County.

Elissa Susan Edwards, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of felony child abuse involving a willful act causing serious physical injury.

Under the plea agreement, Edwards received a six- to eight-month suspended sentence and 36 months of supervised probation. She is also prohibited from contacting the victim or working or volunteering in a position involving the instruction, supervision or care of anyone under 18.

As part of the agreement, prosecutors dismissed additional charges in New Hanover and Pender counties, including statutory rape or sex offense and taking indecent liberties with a child.

Edwards was arrested in July 2024.

Read more from her initial arrest here.