By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
East Rowan High School Band director Brian Andrew Messenger was charged this weekend 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, does not attend East Rowan, but attended a summer band camp where Messenger was an instructor.
The girl is a student at Jesse C. Carson High School.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office received information that Messenger had been in contact with the teen via the Internet.
Sheriff George Wilhelm said Messenger sent pictures to her 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.
The Sheriff’s Office was made aware of the situation last week, Wilhelm said.
Messenger was arrested on his way to the girl’s home.
Rowan-Salisbury School System spokeswoman Rita Foil said on Tuesday Messenger has been suspended.
“He will remain suspended pending an investigation,” she said.
The school system will be cooperating with the law enforcement investigation, Foil said.
Messenger was placed in the Rowan County Detention Center under $2,500 secured bond. He has since been released. His first court appearance is Wednesday.