SALISBURY — The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office issued more felony indecent liberties charges Thursday against a former teacher and Scout leader.
Investigators say the new charges result from an additional witness and victim stepping forward and involved a China Grove church activity in 1995.
“During this incident,” a Sheriff’s Office press release said, the victim reported being “assaulted with inappropriate sexual touching by James Barringer during an overnight activity.”
The victim was a juvenile in 1995.
Barringer was served with the new charges Thursday and placed under a $25,000 bond before going to the Rowan County Detention Center.
Besides being a longtime teacher, Barringer, 51, of Foxfire Drive, had been an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 328 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in China Grove.
Barringer has resigned from his teaching position, and the Central N.C. Council of the Boy Scouts has banned him from participating in Scouting.
On July 16, Barringer was served with six counts of taking indecent liberties with a child. Arrest warrants said the charges against Barringer involved three boys.
Barringer was released from jail at that time after posting a $100,000 secured bond. Investigators said more than one victim was in the “pre-teen range.”
The latest alleged victim was a juvenile in 1995.
The Sheriff’s Office said its investigation continues, and anyone with information should contact Detective Sara Benfield at 704-216-8739, or Lt. Chad Moose at 704-216-8687.