Leetwain Darrell Tate (aka Sharon or Ms. Sharon), 48, is facing numerous charges for allegedly sexually assaulting two teens while working as a Sugar Creek Charter School bus driver in Charlotte, North Carolina.MCSO
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A North Carolina school bus driver who identifies as “Ms. Sharon” has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving underage boys, according to police reports.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police say 48-year-old Leetwain Darrell Tate, a biological male who goes by “Sharon,” was taken into custody on Tuesday. Tate faces two counts of statutory rape and six counts of indecent liberties with a minor.
Investigators allege Tate targeted at least four boys between the ages of 14 and 15, though authorities believe additional victims may still come forward.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by WCNC, some of the boys were found staying at Tate’s home, and one claimed Tate had offered him money in exchange for sex.
Tate had been employed as a school bus driver for Sugar Creek Charter School in Charlotte. The school suspended him during the course of the investigation and officially terminated his employment on September 30, WCCB reported.
Police confirmed that none of the alleged assaults occurred on school property or during Tate’s bus routes.
Tate, who is listed as 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 210 pounds, was booked into Mecklenburg County Jail on a $1 million bond.
While Tate’s family maintains his innocence, neighbors expressed shock and concern over the disturbing allegations.
“It’s pretty disturbing that it’s so close to home and you’re just shocked,” neighbor Tony Sanders told WCNC. “To me, it’s a shame.”