A now-former Harnett County Public Schools high school teacher is facing multiple sex crime charges involving a student.

MAKENZIE DERAY PARHAM

Name:  Makenzie Deray Parham
Age: 26
Charge(s):  Two counts of sexual activity with a student (Class G Felony) and five counts of indecent liberties (Class G Felony)
Charge Type(s): (View Sentencing Chart)
Arrest Date: 7-11-24 (Surrendered to sheriff’s office)
Bond Details: $70,000 total bond; $10,000 secured and $60,000 unsecured. Bonded out on 7-11-24.

Victim /Case Details: 

Per the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the office received information about a sexual relationship between a teacher and student at Triton High School. An investigation was opened on May 10; Parham resigned the same day.

Anyone with information on the case is urged to call HCSO’s tip line at 910-893-0300.

From Sheriff Wayne Coats on Facebook:

“On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, testimony was presented to a Harnett County Grand Jury concerning Triton High School teacher, Makenzie Deray Parham, being involved in a sexual relationship with a student. The Harnett County Grand Jury issued True Bill of Indictments on Makenzie Parham for 2 counts of Sexual Activity with a Student and 5 counts of Indecent Liberties with a Student. This comes at the conclusion of a thorough and extensive investigation by the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office that began two months ago, on May 10, 2024.
On July 11, 2024, Makenzie Parham surrendered herself to the Harnett County Detention Center on her outstanding charges.  Makenzie Parham was presented before the presiding magistrate who issued a secured bond of $70,000 and is being held in the Harnett County Detention Center.”

District: Harnett County Public Schools
Current Role: Triton High School
History:  Hired in 2021 as an office/clerical assistant. Started teaching in 2022.
Employment status: Resigned 5-10-24.

Statement from District: No official public statement.

Harnett County Schools Public Information Officer Natalie T. Ferrell issued the following statement:

“We can confirm that we conducted a careful review of the information we received when we received it, made all required reports, and took appropriate personnel action based on what we learned from our investigation. State confidentiality laws constrain us from providing details regarding this situation. Harnett County Schools will continue to prioritize our students’ safety and educational success, and we do not anticipate making any further statements on this matter.”

NC Teacher License Information: 

License Number: 1267005
Name: Parham, Makenzie D
License Type: Educator
License Status: Current
Expiration Date: 06/30/2024
Effective Date: 07/01/2023
License Area(s): Exceptional Children: General Curriculum (K-12)

Updates:

License suspended July 29, 2024.