Lee County teacher arrested for alleged indecent liberties with minors

LEE COUNTY, N.C – A Lee County teacher faces multiple charges Friday, including indecent liberties with a minor.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a report in April 2024 of an inappropriate relationship between a teacher, Frank Mauricio De Leon, 56, and a student that allegedly occurred at Lee County High School.

“Need to talk to your kids. Open communication. That’s the most important thing, letting them know what’s right and what’s wrong.” Christy Montgomery, the parents said.

Montgomery cares about her daughters’ well-being.

The mother of two was disturbed when she learned about a Lee County teacher accused of crossing the line with a minor at that school building.

“They vet teachers – thinking they’re there to do what’s best for the kids. “Unfortunately, society is no longer what it used to be,” Montgomery said.

A spokesman for Lee County Schools said De Leon was fired April 19 after an investigation determined his behavior toward a student was “not sexual, but inappropriate.”

The spokesman said the school’s findings were reported to law enforcement, which contributed to the sheriff’s office’s investigation and the arrest of De Leon on various charges.

Investigators executed a search warrant at De Leon’s home during which evidence was collected. De Leon was arrested and charged with indecent liberties with a minor, secret spying (three counts) and second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

De Leon was booked into the Lee County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

Cristin, child safety advocate DeRonja says critical conversations with kids help parents stay informed… when they’re unable to observe every interaction at school.

“It is our responsibility as guardians of children to ensure we are connected and engaged with the people our children spend time with,” Cristin DeRonjaOperation SAFEchild said.

Sheriff Brian Estes made a bold statement on Facebook regarding De Leon’s arrest, saying:

“My office will make every effort to target these predators and keep them out of OUR community.”

According to the district, the charges that led to De Leon’s arrest do not involve any current or former students.

The district released the following statement: “The school system is grateful for its partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, whose responsiveness and thorough investigation uncovered these much more serious concerns outside of school.”