CHARLOTTE — A 25-year-old Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools employee has been charged after being accused of inappropriately touching a student, police stated in a news release Wednesday. Now, her mother tells Channel 9 she admires her daughter’s bravery for reporting it.
A Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department school resource officer at Wilson STEM Academy notified detectives Tuesday afternoon about the incident, which was reported by the victim.
Detectives with the CMPD’s Crimes Against Children Unit took over the investigation.
The employee, David Lucas, of Charlotte, was arrested the next day and charged with indecent liberties with a child, taking indecent liberties with a student by a school administrator, and first-degree kidnapping.
The victim’s mother spoke to Channel 9′s Anthony Kustura Thursday, but asked not to show her face or use her name to protect her teen daughter’s privacy.
“I was just shocked, I was in total shock,” she said.
The police report for the incident doesn’t have a lot of information, but one thing does stand out -- the victim is just 13 years old. The whole family is still coming to terms with what happened.
“She’s really strong. And being strong at her age, it can really damage you,” her mom said.
Lucas works at the school as a family and school advocate.
“In as much detail as you feel comfortable, can you please explain what exactly happened to your daughter?” Kustura asked the mother.
“He touched her inappropriately,” she explained. “His hands shouldn’t be where they were,” she added, and then, “That’s all I can really say about it.”
CMS sent Channel 9 the following statement: “The employee in question has been suspended with pay, pending investigation. It is our understanding that CMPD Crimes Against Children unit is conducting a separate investigation.”
Lucas’ employment status could change once the investigation is complete. When asked if she was satisfied by how CMS has handled the investigation so far, the victim’s mom said they “handled it very quickly.”
“I’m just happy she came forward after it happened,” she added.
“I would like justice to the full extent,” she said.
She said she hopes others pay attention to her daughter’s bravery and courage.
“If these things happen to you, speak up,” she said.
>> The mom said she’s raising money for her daughter’s therapy long term. If you would like to donate, click here.
(VIDEO: 55-year-old Lincolnton man charged with child sex crimes)
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