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Authorities arrested a transgender North Carolina school bus driver, Leetwain Darrell Tate, 48, on Tuesday, charging him with heinous sex crimes against multiple teenage boys.
Tate, who identifies as "Ms. Sharon," faces two counts of statutory rape, six counts of indecent liberties with a minor, and one count of statutory sex offense, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police confirmed.
Police allege Tate lured at least four boys, aged 14 and 15, to his home, where he sexually assaulted them.
One victim reported Tate offered money for sex, per an arrest affidavit cited by the New York Post.
Investigators fear more victims may exist.
"I appreciate the work of the Crimes Against Children unit for their serious investigation, as well as the courage of these juvenile victims who came forward in this case," Lt. Corey Geohagen stated during a Tuesday press briefing.
"This is, by no means, easy for the victims to relive the terrible crimes committed against them, but their courage led to the arrest of a violent criminal," Geohagen continued. "In many cases, crimes against children are never reported. Fear, shame, or threats of an abuser keep the victim silent, meaning there’s always a chance that more victims are suffering, suffering in silence."
Tate, previously employed by Sugar Creek Charter School, was suspended during the weeks-long investigation and fired on September 30.
Authorities clarified no alleged crimes occurred on school property or during Tate’s bus route.
The 5-foot-7, 210-pound suspect remains in Mecklenburg County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Neighbors expressed horror at the allegations.
"It’s pretty disturbing that it is so close to home and you are just shocked," resident Tony Sanders told WCNC. "To me it’s a shame… 14, 15-year-olds can be so impressionable at that age. To think someone would take advantage of that is very alarming."
Tate’s family claims his innocence, but the community remains shaken by the betrayal of trust.
What twisted world allows a predator like Tate to slip into a role entrusted with children’s safety?
Schools, desperate to flaunt “inclusivity,” seem to have abandoned basic vetting, leaving vulnerable kids in the hands of a monster.
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