A Rowan-Salisbury Schools teacher turned himself in to Salisbury police on Friday after investigators secured felony warrants accusing him of sex offenses involving a former student, authorities said. The teacher, identified as David Steelman, was booked into the Rowan County Detention Center and remains in custody while the case moves forward. Police say the accusations stretch back more than a decade, and the investigation is still underway.
Charges, Timeline And Investigation
The Salisbury Police Department obtained felony warrants charging Steelman with eight counts of sex offense with a student and two counts of indecent liberties with a student. Detectives said the case grew out of a 2020 investigation into allegations that reportedly date to 2012, and that some of the alleged conduct happened both on and off school property. Investigators identified one victim, who was a Salisbury High School student at the time of the alleged incidents, according to WCNC.
Where He Worked
Corriher-Lipe Middle School, part of the Rowan-Salisbury School System, is listed at 214 West Rice Street in Landis in district records. Salisbury High School is listed on Lincolnton Road in Salisbury. The district’s school pages provide campus and contact information for both sites, per Corriher-Lipe Middle School and Salisbury High.
Booking And Bail
After the warrants were issued, Steelman surrendered to authorities and was booked into the county jail. His bond was set at $500,000 secured, and he is being held at the Rowan County Detention Center while the investigation continues, according to facility listings from Jailexchange.
Police Request Tips
Investigators say the case remains active and are asking anyone with information to contact Detective E. L. McDaniel at 704-638-5333 or to submit tips through Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 1-866-639-5245. Rowan County’s Crime Stoppers page lists that tip line, anonymous reporting options for callers, and additional contact information for the sheriff’s office.
What This Means Legally
Under North Carolina law, indecent liberties with a student and related sex offenses are felony charges that include specific provisions when the accused is a member of school personnel. The case will proceed through Rowan County courts as prosecutors review the evidence, file formal charges, and set future court dates. Steelman, like any defendant, is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court, and any punishment would be guided by state statute and sentencing rules, according to the North Carolina General Statutes.
