A Mitchell Community College grounds supervisor has been charged with multiple offenses involving a female student.

JOHN PHILLIP BARKLEY

John Phillip Barkley, age 59, has been charged with indecent liberties with a student, sexual battery, stalking, and assault on a female. He was arrested on Nov. 15 by the Alexander County Sheriff’s Department and is currently being held in the Alexander County Detention Center on a $10,000 secured bond.

Barkley’s next legal appearance is scheduled for Dec. 13 in Iredell County District Court.

According to law enforcement, the student involved indicated Barkley began stalking her on Oct. 25, 2021. She said he had been following her to and from her classes, followed her to her car, and had allegedly yelled at her and pounded on the window of her vehicle.

The victim, who is currently enrolled in the early college program at the community college called Collaborative College for Technology & Leadership (CCTL).

Mitchell Community College (MCC) has placed Barkley on administrative according to a joint media release with Iredell-Statesville Schools.  He had been employed with MCC for 10 years.

“Mitchell always places our students first. This starts with their safety as the number one priority,” said MCC President, Dr. Tim Brewer. “We also appreciate the swift action of the Statesville Police Department.”

“We take the safety of our students very seriously,” Superintendent Jeff James said in the release. “We appreciate the swift work of Chief Addison and the Statesville Police Department. The safety and well-being of our students are paramount on all of our campuses, including our early college students who attend the MCC campus in Statesville.”