LaGrange High School Teacher Arrested with Six Felony Counts of Sexual Act

On July 11, 2016, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into reported suspicious activity between a student and teacher at North Lenoir High School in LaGrange, NC. Lenoir County Public School officials received a tip about a possible relationship between one of their employees and a student. Based on their school policy, the school administrators and superintendent immediately notified the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office which began an investigation. Detectives worked last night and this morning to gather evidence and conduct interviews. The facts show that although these incidents occurred during the summer, the victim involved is a student at North Lenoir High School and the suspect was a teacher at the same school. Detectives were able to establish proof that the incidents occurred on school property during school permitted activities which meets the statutory requirements of violating sex offense laws. The investigation is still on going. Donnell Gordon Garris, III of LaGrange was arrested and charged with six (6) felony counts of sexual act with a student. Garris was confined in the W.E. “Billy” Smith Detention Center under a $100,000.00 secured bond. Sheriff Ronnie Ingram stated, “Lenoir County Public Schools, the superintendent and principal of North Lenoir High School showed their commitment to providing a safe environment for our children today. They received a tip that provided suspicion of this incident and self reported to law enforcement immediately. Due to their quick reaction, detectives were able to recover valuable evidence that led to a quick completion of the investigation. Neither our office or the school system will tolerate this behavior nor try to hide it when suspicions arise.”

Information supplied by Lenoir County Sheriff Dept Facebook page.