Western NC teacher accused of sending inappropriate pictures to student

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RUTHERFORD COUNTY, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - A teacher has been charged after he sent inappropriate texts to a student, according to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said the sheriff’s office worked with an investigator with Rutherford County Schools to investigate allegations of inappropriate images sent to a minor student by Jake Barker.

Jake Barker(Rutherford County Sheriff's Office)

As a result, officials said Barker was arrested on Sept. 29 and charged with disseminating obscenity. He was taken to the Polk County Detention Center, where he was given a $10,000 bond.

Officials said this investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may be possible.

The school district said Barker is a sixth-grade math teacher at CHASE middle school. He remains employed but was suspended pending further investigation.

“Rutherford County Schools takes allegations of inappropriate conduct involving students extremely seriously. We investigate allegations of prohibited employee conduct promptly and thoroughly, and when information suggests a possible violation of law, we work closely with law enforcement authorities so that those matters can be appropriately investigated.
The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities. We expect every employee to observe the professional, ethical, and legal standards required of those entrusted with the care and education of children, and we will take appropriate action whenever information raises concerns about an employee’s conduct.
North Carolina law limits the personnel information concerning school employees that RCS may disclose. Because this matter also involves an active law enforcement investigation, we will not provide information that could compromise that investigation. RCS therefore cannot provide additional information concerning confidential personnel matters or other details concerning matters that remain under investigation at this time."
Rutherford County Schools