A North Carolina school bus driver, known as “Ms. Sharon,” has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault against several teenage boys. The accused, 48-year-old Leetwain Darrell Tate, also referred to as “Sharon,” was taken into custody on Tuesday. He faces two counts of statutory rape and six counts of indecent liberties with a minor, as reported by the Charlotte-Mecklenberg police department.
Tate is alleged to have assaulted at least four boys, aged 14 and 15. However, authorities have indicated that there may be additional victims yet to be identified. The victims were discovered residing at Tate’s residence, with one of them alleging that Tate had offered him money in exchange for sexual favors, according to an arrest affidavit.
Tate was employed as a bus driver for Sugar Creek Charter School in Charlotte. Following a weeks-long investigation into the allegations, he was suspended and subsequently terminated from his position on September 30, as reported by WCCB. The police have clarified that none of the alleged incidents took place on school premises or during Tate’s bus route.
Tate, who stands 5-foot-7 and weighs 210 lbs., is currently detained at the Mecklenburg County Jail. His bail has been set at $1 million. Despite the serious charges, Tate’s family maintains his innocence. However, the allegations have left the local community shaken.
One of Tate’s neighbors, Tony Sanders, expressed his shock and concern to WCNC. “It’s pretty disturbing that it is so close to home and you are just shocked,” Sanders said. “Fourteen, 15 years old can be so impressionable at that age. To think someone would take advantage of that is very alarming.”