Call Us 919-240-4054A former Wake County school headmaster has been sentenced to 120 days in jail in connection with the sexual assault of two teachers under his supervision.
A jury found Brandon Smith guilty of one count of sexual battery and one count of sexual assault for pulling down a teacher’s pants to see the tattoo on her lower back. The jury did not deliver a verdict on the same charges connected to a second victim who alleged Smith hugged her while sexually aroused and asked her, “Do you see what you do to me?”
Smith was headmaster of East Wake Academy in Zebulon for approximately 10 years. In addition to jail time, Smith was also sentenced to register as a sex offender for 30 years. Doing so will prevent him from ever again working with or educating children.
Wake County Assistant District Attorney Melanie Shekita said she is considering retrying Smith for the charges for which there was no verdict. She called Smith a “predator” who used his role as headmaster as a “perfect façade” for victimizing teachers.
Shekita went on to say that supporting testimony from several former and current school employees reporting that Smith inappropriately touched them showed that for a time the academy, once named as a School of Excellence, was, for some, “a little school of horror”
Smith’s attorneys argued he should be allowed to serve his two 60-day sentences (one sentence for each charge) concurrently, but Superior Court Judge Carl Fox denied their motions Wednesday saying there was no statutory requirement to change the sentence.
If you have been the victim of sexual harassment or assault at work, or if you have been victimized by a teacher or church official, we urge you to contact CJG immediately to learn how we can help. Use the contact form on the right side of your screen or call us toll free at 919-240-4054.