Union Co. school employee sent inappropriate Snapchat pics, officials say

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By Paul Boyd

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Union County school employee sends inappropriate Snapchat pics, officials say

An of Piedmont High School is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student, said.

Jeffery Thomas Long, 31, of Monroe is facing three felony counts of indecent liberties with a minor and disseminating harmful material to a minor.

He was arrested late Thursday and was released after posting bond.

Channel 9 anchor Paul Boyd visited his home on Friday, but no one answered. There has also been no word from his attorney.

"Just like any parent would be, you're shocked,” Union County Deputy Sheriff Tony Underwood told Boyd. “You're concerned. You wonder, how does this happen?”

Long worked as a computer lab monitor at the high school.

Channel 9 learned that rumors first spread among students of the relationship, then a school official heard something and notified police on Thursday.

"They started investigating on scene immediately, and then Long was removed from the school," Underwood said.

Long is accused of exchanging inappropriate photos via Snapchat with a female student and having inappropriate contact with her.

Investigators said the girl is younger than 16. There is no word how long the relationship lasted.

"We've spoken with him obviously in great detail,” Underwood said. “And let's just say, there was sufficient information from that communication that it warranted the filing of those charges."

The investigation is continuing. Channel 9 has learned that there's no evidence to suggest that any other students were Involved.

"I was very surprised,” said David Yarborough, whose daughter attends the high school.

“I'm a little old-fashioned about keeping electronic devices out the hands of my children until (they were) older and wiser.”

Yarborough and other parents said they're satisfied with how the situation has been handled.

Union County Public Schools declined to comment on the situation. There was no word from the girl's family.

Long is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 3.

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