CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A South Mecklenburg High School teacher is accused of inappropriate contact with two male students, officials said.
Juan Carlos Vazquez, an English teacher at the school, was arrested and charged with three felony counts of indecent liberties with a student, as well as three sex acts with a student.
Channel 9 learned that the victims are two male students, ages 17 and 18.
Vazquez promised good grades for sex acts, according to the district attorney’s office.
Officials said he asked one of the male students for a threesome and if he did, he would get an “A.”
One victim was photographed in his underwear, prosecutors said.
The incidents started in January and happened at Vazquez’s apartment.
Sources told Channel 9 the abuse occurred over a few weeks, and that one of the victims found the courage to come forward and report the abuse to school officials.
(Juan Carlos Vazquez)
The school district said it learned of the allegations Wednesday.
In a letter sent to parents, CMS officials said they're working closely with police.
Investigators have not said exactly what happened, or how they learned about the alleged inappropriate relationships, but school leaders said Vazquez is suspended with pay.
Sources told Channel 9 that none of the alleged abuse occurred on campus.
He reached out to one of his alleged victims on Snapchat and told him to “Treat me right,” prosecutors said.
Vazquez allegedly formed a study group of seven students in January and some of the meetings were at his apartment, prosecutors said.
Parents in the area were outraged.
Officials say South Meck teacher suspended with pay pending investigation. @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/x2ZM3GZ680
— Tina Terry (@TinaTerryWSOC9) May 11, 2017
"It's heartbreaking. It’s like you’re scared for your kids to go to school,” Jacquelyn Elam said. “Any parent would be concerned about their child and their well-being."
Furr also said that additional counseling and support groups will be provided to students.
Vazquez faced a judge Thursday afternoon. He has been a teacher at the school since August 2013.
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