By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
East Rowan High School band director Brian Andrew Messenger was charged Monday with taking indecent liberties with a student, officials said.
Messenger, 24, of 2115 Englewood St., Kannapolis, was charged with felony indecent liberties with a student by a school guardian.
The student, a 16-year-old girl, is a student at Jesse C. Carson High School but attended a summer band camp where Messenger was an instructor.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office received information last week that Messenger had been in contact with the teen via the Internet.
Sheriff George Wilhelm said Messenger sent the girl pictures of his genitalia and spoke of “sex-related subjects.” He also asked to meet the girl for “sexual gratification,” a report said.
Sheriff’s detective C.A. Mauldin made arrangements to interview the girl.
Messenger was arrested on his way to the girl’s home.
Rowan-Salisbury School System spokeswoman Rita Foil said Tuesday Messenger has been suspended.
“He will remain suspended pending an investigation,” she said.
The school system is cooperating with the law enforcement investigation, Foil said.
Messenger was released from the Rowan County Detention Center after posting $2,500 bond. His first court appearance is today.