Former teacher facing more child sex crime charges dating back to 2003

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Michael Kelly, the former Isaac Bear Early College High School teacher in jail awaiting trial on dozens of child sex crimes charges, now faces more charges dating back to when he taught at Laney High School.

According to the arrest warrants, Kelly took indecent liberties with a student at Laney in 2003 and with another Laney student from 2005 to 2006.

The warrants also include more charges of indecent liberties with students in 2008 to 2009, while he taught at Isaac Bear Early College High School.

Kelly also had a photo of a naked boy who appeared to be 14 years old at the time and another photo of a naked unknown juvenile, according to warrants.

Kelly was arrested Friday on these additional 25 charges.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office says these charges involve new victims.

In all, there are a total of 18 known victims, according to Sheriff’s Office Spokesman Lt. Jerry Brewer.

Kelly was first arrested in early February while he was still a chemistry teacher at IBECHS.

In March, the New Hanover County Board of Education voted to fire Kelly.

Kelly is in jail under a $2 million bond. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon.