Monroe art teacher Zackary Wayne Winchester was arrested yesterday on a felony charge of taking indecent liberties with a child, according to authorities. The 31-year-old is being held in the Union County jail without bond and has been placed on administrative leave by Union County Public Schools. Investigators say the alleged victim is under 16, and the district has stressed that the accusation does not involve a Benton Heights Elementary student. District records show Winchester has been at Benton Heights since 2016.
Arrest details and records
Court paperwork and local reporting indicate Winchester was booked on April 2 on a felony count described as taking indecent liberties with a child, as reported by WCNC. An arrest warrant cited by local outlets describes the alleged conduct as "immoral, improper, and indecent liberties" with a person under 16 and notes he was initially denied bond, according to WBTV.
School and parent reaction
The Union County Public Schools staff directory lists Winchester as an art teacher at Benton Heights Elementary. Parents told WSOC they received an automated call on Thursday about the situation and were upset that officials did not immediately release the teacher’s name. The station reports Winchester has worked in the district since 2016. School officials told WSOC they could not share additional details while the criminal investigation is active.
State law and penalties
Under North Carolina law, taking indecent liberties with children is defined as willfully taking or attempting to take "any immoral, improper, or indecent liberties" with a child under 16 and is classified as a Class F felony, according to the North Carolina General Assembly. A Class F felony can bring prison time and other legal consequences if a defendant is convicted, with the exact sentence determined by the court and state sentencing guidelines.
What comes next
Court documents indicate that if Winchester is released, he is barred from contacting the alleged victim, and reporting notes he was initially denied bond. The Union County Sheriff’s Office and the school district have not released further information as the investigation continues. The case is expected to move through the county court system in the coming weeks.
The case remains under investigation. This story will be updated as new court filings and official statements are made public.
