CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A former teacher at Billingsville Elementary School pleaded guilty Monday to five counts of molesting children.
Taji Brown was arrested last August.
Investigators said he held a summer camp at his home and used it to sexually abuse five boys between the ages of 10 and 13 years old.
"He was at a sleepover at the defendant's house. He was in the shower and the defendant said he didn't wash properly," Prosecutor Samantha Pendergrass said. "He asked the defendant if he could bathe himself, and the defendant replied, 'No' that he would be punched in the chest for disobeying. He also disclosed being hit with a belt."
[PAST COVERAGE: Former CMS teacher accused of indecent liberties faces judge]
On Monday, Brown agreed to spend at least 20 months in prison as part of a plea deal. Brown was looking at 24 years in prison.
Pendergrass said it was a tough call, but the plea deal saved the victim's from testifying at a trial.
"We got some active time rather than him getting probation at trial, so I think it was a good arrangement for both sides," Pendergrass said.
A mother of one of the victim's said her son will carry emotional scars from the abuse.
"After my son reported the incident, he was completely withdrawn from school," the mother said. "And I am completely disheartened by the trust that was violated."
Brown was a fifth-grade teacher at Billingsville Elementary.
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