A former Orange High School counselor is behind bars without bond after investigators say she sexually exploited students she was supposed to be helping.
Lesli Lambeth Bryant, 37, turned herself in Thursday after warrants accused her of sex-related crimes involving Orange High students. She faces two counts of indecent liberties with a student and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and is being held without bond at the Orange County Detention Center.
Investigation and charges
In a press release from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, investigators said Bryant surrendered at the magistrate’s office after warrants were issued charging her with two counts of indecent liberties with students and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor. According to the release, deputies opened the investigation after school administrators alerted a school resource officer. Bryant was booked into jail and scheduled for a first appearance at 2 p.m. Thursday.
Court records and school timeline
Court documents reviewed by The News & Observer say the alleged incident dates to Nov. 1, 2025, and that both alleged victims were students at Orange High School, where Bryant worked as a counselor. The outlet reports that Orange County Schools placed Bryant on paid leave when it learned of the allegations and that she resigned from the district on June 12.
School response
School officials have not released further details while the criminal investigation is underway. Local coverage confirms Bryant’s resignation and the district’s initial suspension of her, according to ABC11. The Sheriff’s Office said the case remains active as detectives continue to follow up on leads.
What the law says
Under North Carolina law, “taking indecent liberties with children” is codified at G.S. 14-202.1 and is a felony. Second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor is defined at G.S. 14-190.17 and is classified as a Class E felony. Convictions on those counts carry enhanced penalties under state sentencing law.
Next steps
Bryant remains in custody and was scheduled for a first appearance Thursday afternoon. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information to contact Investigator C. Tapp at (919) 245-2964, according to the department’s release. Both the Sheriff’s Office and Orange County Schools say they plan to release more details as the case develops.
