North Carolina school counselor ...

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A former counselor with Orange High School appeared in court Thursday afternoon after she turned herself in to authorities earlier in the day on charges of indecent liberties with a child, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s office, school administrators told the school resource officer about allegations of misconduct by 37-year-old Lesli Bryant with multiple students. Orange County Schools said Bryant was a counselor at the school.

An investigation was opened by the sheriff’s office and warrants were obtained for Bryant, charging her with two counts of indecent liberties with a student and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, officials said.

A statement from Orange said Bryant had been put on administrative suspension with pay after they found out about the allegations. The school district said Bryant resigned from her position on June 12.

Orange County schools said it is now a criminal matter, and any more information about the investigation will have to come from the sheriff’s office.

Prosecutors said Bryant allegedly communicated with a pair of teenage students on Snapchat. The state claims Bryant sent them nude photos and videos of herself, as well as sexual content. Officials also said the crimes occurred as recently as April.

Prosecutors said Bryant has three kids of her own in the school system.

Also, Bryant can not have contact with any children other than her own unless supervised by another adult. She had a secured bond set at $50,000.

“Orange County Schools takes matters involving the safety and well-being of students extremely seriously,” the school said in a statement. “Orange County Schools remains committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.”

The sheriff’s office said Bryant turned herself in on Thursday at the magistrate’s office and made her first appearance before a judge the same day, with her husband in the courtroom. During the court appearance, Bryant was ordered not to have contact with two named witnesses in the case, and she is not permitted on any of Orange County Schools’ property.

Bryant has another court appearance scheduled for later in July.

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