HUNTER ALEXANDER GRANTHAM

Hunter Alexander Grantham, age 24, was arrested on Nov. 3 by Wayne County Sheriff’s deputies on charges of taking indecent liberties with a student.

Upon an initial investigation by deputies, it was learned that an inappropriate relationship between Grantham and a female student had been going on for several months. Per law enforcement, the investigation is still ongoing.

He was issued an $8,000 secured bond and was released from custody at the Wayne County Detention Center after 3:30 p..m. on Nov. 6.

Grantham was teaching Social Studies at Southern Wayne High School at the time of his arrest and his alleged victim is a student at the school.

A spokesperson for Wayne County Public Schools (WCPS) says Grantham was hired in August 2022.

“All WCPS employees are expected to maintain the highest professional, moral, and ethical standards in their interactions with students,” said WCPS Superintendent Dr. Marc Whichard in a statement. “While we are limited in what we can say, as this is a personnel matter, we can say that the school district takes any concerns about inappropriate relationships or conduct by staff very seriously. We appreciate the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for its support with this matter.”

Grantham resigned on Nov. 3, without giving the required 30 days’ notice. Given the arrest circumstances and the lack of notice, state law requires WCPS to report his resignation to the N.C. State Board of Education.

Under SL 2023-128 passed earlier this year, Gratham’s current indecent liberties charge is now a Class I Felony. Additionally, any retirement benefits Grantham accrued are now forfeited.

Grantham’s NC teaching license is listed as being in the areas of Social Studies 6-9 and Social Studies 9-12. The license was issued in July 2022 with an expiration date of June 30, 2025. That teaching license is also subject to revocation upon conviction.