A North Carolina school bus driver who went by the name “Ms. Sharon” has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault involving minors.
Police say Leetwain Darrell Tate, 48, who identifies himself as “Sharon,” lured several teenage boys to his home and allegedly assaulted them. According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, Tate faces two counts of statutory rape and six counts of indecent liberties with a minor.
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.
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Investigators believe at least four boys, ages 14 and 15, were victimized — and that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. An arrest affidavit obtained by WCNC states that one of the teens accused Tate of offering him money in exchange for sex.
Police discovered that the children had been staying at Tate’s home during the time of the alleged assaults.
Tate was employed as a school bus driver for Sugar Creek Charter School in Charlotte. He was initially suspended while the investigation was underway and was officially terminated on September 30, according to WCCB. Authorities emphasized that none of the alleged crimes occurred on school property or during Tate’s bus routes.
The suspect, listed as 5-foot-7 and 210 pounds, is currently being held at the Mecklenburg County Jail on a $1 million bond.
Tate’s family has maintained his innocence, but neighbors say the accusations have shaken the community.
“It’s pretty disturbing that it is so close to home and you are just shocked,” said neighbor Tony Sanders. “Fourteen, 15 years old can be so impressionable at that age. To think someone would take advantage of that is very alarming.”