A teacher at Wake County Public Schools magnet middle school has been arrested and charged with two felonies of a sexual nature relating to a minor child.

Thomas Jerome Wright, age 47, was charged with one count of statutory sex offense with a child under the age of 15 and one count of indecent liberties with a child.

The charges do not involve a student at the school where Wright works.

The statutory sex offense is a class B1 felony and carries a maximum sentence of life without parole. The indecent liberties charge carries a maximum penalty of 59 months.

Wright was arrested by Garner Police and he has since been remanded to the Wake County Detention Center a secured bond of $1.6 million was issued to him.

Thomas Wright is currently suspended, but it is unknown if that suspension is with or without pay. Wright is a Special Education teacher at Ligon GT Magnet Middle School in Wake County.  He is also listed on the school’s website as being a Head Football Coach and Boys Track coach.

The principal of Ligon Middle, Gretta Dula, issued the following statement to parents late last Friday evening:

Good evening Ligon parents. This is Principal Dula. I regret having to call you late this Friday while you are enjoying your Spring Break.

I have to inform you of an upsetting situation, and I wanted to make sure that you heard this news from me first.

I have been informed that a teacher at our school, Thomas Wright, was charged today for taking indecent liberties with a child.

Based on information from the District Attorneys Office, we know that this charge is not related to a crime against a student at our school, but nonetheless, I wanted you to be informed immediately.

Mr. Wright was suspended from his position today pending an investigation.

It is important to know that your child’s safety and security is our top priority. School staff and law enforcement are working together to determine any other details, and we will keep you informed if there is additional information to share.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you.

While Wright would not appear on the North Carolina Teacher License revocations list until a conviction happens, it’s worth noting that the revocations list has not been updated since January of 2018.