Search warrants: Buncombe teacher groped, sent nude photos to special needs student
Warning: this story contains descriptions of sexual abuse against a minor
ASHEVILLE - An Erwin High School teacher charged in June with sexually abusing a student groped her while inside the school, sent a video of him masturbating and described sex with his wife, according to search warrants filed by the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office searched Albert Pavon's Snapchat account on June 23 and his phone, laptops and iPad on July 12.
Pavon admitted to having "inappropriate" pictures of the 15-year-old student when deputies came to search his Haywood County house, according to the records.
The child he allegedly abused was a special needs student, and was placed in Pavon's class after being bullied by classmates, according to one search warrant.
When Buncombe County Schools spokesperson Stacia Harris was asked Sept. 8 if Pavon was still employed by the school district, she said he resigned June 30.
Previous coverage: After child sexual offense arrest, Erwin High School teacher posts bail
Related: Former Cane Creek Middle School teacher sentenced for possession of child pornography
On June 29, after Pavon posted a $50,000 bond and was released from the Buncombe County jail, the Citizen Times reported that he had been suspended. His job title was exceptional children's teacher and in 2021 he was making $43,658, according to a Citizen Times salary database of Buncombe County Schools employees.
Harris previously told the Citizen Times Pavon was hired Aug. 10, 2020.
"On one occasion, (the student) said that (Pavon) wrote her a hall pass to get out of class and she hid under his desk while there were special education children in the class," one search warrant says. "(She) said they played 'find the hall pass' and she hid it in her shirt. (She) said he would place his hands under her shirt and bra and touched her breasts. She said that the other children did not know what was going on."
Asheville School allegations: More Asheville School alumni claim sexual abuse as SBI investigation enters 2nd year
More: NC Supreme Court: Child sexual assault lawsuit under SAFE Child Act will move forward
Other news: Buncombe County Schools will 'educate' staff after sexual assault charges dropped
Pavon also sent her nude pictures — including a photo of his penis while in front of his desk — and a video of him masturbating, she told investigators, according to the search warrants. He discussed sharing pictures of him having sex with his wife with the student, the records say.
Warrants also say Pavon solicited nude photos of the child, who sent them to him on Snapchat.
In July, U.S. District Court Judge Max Cogburn Jr. sentenced former Cane Creek Middle School teacher Christopher Todd to just over three years in prison for possession of child pornography. The court also ordered that he register as a sex offender and be under lifetime supervision. Cane Creek Middle School is under the jurisdiction of Buncombe County Schools.
"Like all public school systems, all of our staff members are required to pass a criminal background check before being hired," Harris said in response to a question about how the school system ensures it is hiring the right people.
Sheriff's Office spokesperson Aaron Sarver said the investigation is ongoing.
Pavon is scheduled to appear in district court Oct. 27, according to an online calendar.
He is being represented by private attorney Todd Lentz, according to the county public defender's office. Lentz did not respond to a message left at his office phone Sept. 8. Pavon could not be reached.
Need help?
If adults know or suspect a child has been sexually assaulted or physically abused state law requires them to report it to law enforcement. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted and needs help or resources, contact:
Our Voice: (For ages 13 and older) 828-255-7576, www.ourvoicenc.org.
Mountain Child Advocacy Center: (For ages 17 and younger), 828-213-9824, https://mtncac.org.
RAINN: (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) 800-656-4673, www.rainn.org.
This story will be updated.
Ryan Oehrli is the breaking news and social justice reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times. Send tips to coehrli@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Search warrants: Buncombe teacher groped, sent nude photos to student
