Updated 11 a.m. Nov. 21
A teacher at Thomas Academy is being held under no bond on child sex charges.
Jody Watts, 49, was arrested today (Wednesday) and booked into the county detention center at 10:54 a.m. He is charged with first degree sexual exploitation of a minor and taking indecent liberties with a student. Watts was also charged with possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia when he was taken into custody, according to warrant. His address was listed in Green Sea, S.C.
Lake Waccamaw Police Chief Scott Hyatt said the investigation is ongoing, and he could not provide details about the case.
“I can confirm that the acts did not take place at school,” Hyatt said.
Warrants show that Watts allegedly had a 17 year old female student perform a sex act live during a FaceTime conversation while he watched.
Watts was listed as a theater and television production teacher on the school website. Thomas Academy is the charter school attached to the Boys and Girls Home of Lake Waccamaw. It has students who are residents of the home and from across the county.
In a statement issued Wednesday, the Home said Watts was immediately terminated after officials found out about the allegations.
They were informed of the alleged acts Sunday, the statement said. Watts was immediately terminated.
“Officials with BGHNC and Thomas Academy notified and are cooperating with law enforcement and the district attorney’s office,” the statement said. “Counselors are available at the school to assist any teachers or students affected by the news. The student involved is receiving support and counseling care through Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina.
“Boys and Girls Homes is first and foremost concerned about youth safety at all times,” said Marc Murphy, President and CEO of BGHNC. “We consider the care of all our children a serious responsibility and will not tolerate any lapses from that commitment within our organization.”
“Our prayers go out to the families of everyone affected by this,” Hyatt said.
