Teacher fired following allegations of sex crimes with students

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County School Board has decided to fired Isaac Bear Early College High School teacher Michael Kelly who accused of sex crimes with students.

Members went into closed session this evening. When they returned they approved a resolution to dismiss Kelly from his duties.

The board said they were appalled with Kelly’s alleged actions.

“We need to make sure that people understand that we will not tolerate any activity by anybody that would tend to harm our children,” said board chairman Ed Higgins.

Kelly, 48, was arrested back in February. He faces a total of 32 child sex crime charges involving a dozen alleged victims.

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Warrants reveal more details about the alleged crimes.

Among the accusations in the arrest warrants is that Kelly performed oral sex on a boy while recording it. He is also accused of showing five teens a picture of another teen naked.

A New Hanover County Schools spokesperson says Kelly was suspended without pay on February 7. Superintendent Dr. Tim Markley also started proceedings to dismiss Kelly that day.

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.

The prosecutor said Kelly is expected to be indicted before his next court appearance, which is on June 7.

He is in the New Hanover County Detention Center under a $1.5 million bond.