A Pender County Public Schools teacher has been arrested on multiple charges involving child pornography.

According to a press release by the Town of Leland, Parker Brown, age 39, was arrested by Leland Police on Sept. 28.

PARKER BROWN

Brown has been charged with 6 counts of second degree sexual exploitation of a minor (Class E Felony), 1 count of third degree sexual exploitation of a minor for the possession of child pornography (Class H Felony), and 1 count of possession of drug paraphernalia (Class 1 Misdemeanor).

A list of felonies and misdemeanor sentences for North Carolina can be accessed here.

As of noon on Sept. 30, Brown was still in custody at the Brunswick County Detention Center. Law enforcement officials say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be added.

Leland Police indicated they had been working with Pender County Public School officials on the case which involves Brown having uploaded and shared images of a minor.

“According to law enforcement, Mr. Brown uploaded and shared images of a minor,” Pender County Public Schools said in a press release. “Based on current information from law enforcement, there is no indication that Pender County Schools students were included in the shared images.”

Brown was a 5th-grade teacher at C.F. Pope Elementary and began work there in 2021 with a salary of over $51,000 a year at the time of his resignation. He had been previously employed at Malpass Corner Elementary School in Burgaw. While working in Pender County, the district indicated he had no suspensions or other incidents on his record.

Pender school officials say they suspended Brown, who then resigned the same day he was arrested. This type of resignation is in violation of state law requiring teachers to give a 30-day notice when resigning.

Additionally, the district is required to report Brown’s resignation as it is tied to criminal activity. It is unknown at this time if the district has complied with the statute.

Brown holds an active teaching license in the area of Elementary Education (K-6). That license was issued on July 1, 2020. Unless revoked ahead of time his license will expire on June 30, 2025.

Brown was convicted of lesser charges on Jan. 22, 2024. He was forced to register as a sex offender the following day, Jan. 23, 2024.  Sources with the State Board say the conviction paperwork has not yet been received to process his license revocation, however, once received that action will occur.