New Hanover County, North Carolina-
A woman with connections to multiple dance studios throughout the state, including one in Raleigh, has been apprehended in Raleigh on charges of indecent liberties with a minor.
An investigation by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office has linked Elissa Susan Edwards to allegations of misconduct involving students from multiple dance studios throughout North Carolina.
According to online records, the dance instructor is facing charges related to inappropriate conduct with a minor.
Edwards was employed as a dance instructor at CC & Co. Dance Complex in Raleigh. After the arrest, the company informed families that Edwards was no longer employed there.
“It’s important for us as a community to address this issue and recognize that it can occur in any location,” stated Adrianne Simeone, founder of The Mama Bear Effect.
WRAL News interviewed Simeone from The Mama Bear Effect, an organization committed to increasing awareness and preventing child sexual abuse.
“As parents, it’s important for us to have conversations with these instructors or camps,” Simeone said. “Could you please provide information about your safety protocols?”
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Many families turned to social media to share their shock and disbelief regarding the accusations.
Edwards, 41, was arrested on Thursday in Raleigh and transferred to the New Hanover County Detention Center without the possibility of bail.
Another employee of CC & Co. has been accused of child sex crimes this summer, making it the second case. In June, Wake County Deputies arrested 33-year-old Justin McKoy on charges of child sex abuse. According to the warrants, it was revealed that McKoy was not familiar with the children through his work with the dance company.
CC & Co. Dance Complex recently shared an important update on Facebook addressing the concerns of parents.
They stated as per the source:
“This afternoon, our attorney’s office contacted the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and confirmed that the charges against our former employee, Elissa Edwards, are NOT related to CC & Dance Complex or Wake County. If you did not receive the email we sent to parents this morning, please send us a message.”
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