Music Teacher Facing Indecent Liberties Charge

ABC 13
August 14, 2014

http://www.wlos.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/music-teacher-facing-indecent-liberties-charge-17364.shtml#.U-22HPl_uSp

Sheriff's Detective Brian Shuford says Brandon Wayne Bailey, 49, paid the $25,000 bond he was being held on. Last week, Shuford says a minor came forward alleging he was inappropriately touched by Bailey during a private music lesson at his home along Highway 197 in Green Mountain.

Bailey was formerly employed at Higgins Memorial United Methodist Church, where he helped lead musical worships. Lead Pastor Wes Sharp says Bailey resigned from his position Friday, before being arrested Saturday.

"I would like to say my personal prayers and those of our people here at Higgins are for Brandon, a very valued person, employee and servant, for the alleged victim and for his or her family," says Sharp.

Shuford says the alleged crime occurred in the Spring of 2012. Sharp says Bailey was hired at the church in 2008.

"We do background checks on all staff and volunteers who work and serve with children and youth," says Sharp. "Our policy states that no one will relate to or work with a minor in a solitary environment."

Sharp says he notified the congregation through phone calls and emails as soon as he heard of the arrest on Saturday.

The charges can be a lesson for the Yancey County community. Every adult in North Carolina is mandated to report any suspicion of sexual abuse to local law enforcement and the Department of Social Services in the county where the crime occurred.

"It's very important to open this dialogue with children and not just ignore the fact that something could be taking place," says Detective Shuford.

The investigation is still going on. If you have any information, please contact the Yancey County Sheriff's Office.