Ex-Gaston County coach accused of sending, receiving child sexual abuse materials
More charges are likely, according to deputies.
STANLEY, N.C. (WBTV) - A coach and teacher at a Belmont high school is facing multiple child sex crime charges.
Kristopher Kirtley, 51, of Stanley, was arrested on July 29 after a multi-agency investigation into child sexual abuse materials and online solicitation of minors. An arrest warrant filed in Lincoln County stated that Kirtley took, “immoral, improper and indecent liberties” with a person younger than 16 years old.
Multiple law enforcement agencies confirmed that Kirtley was a wrestling coach and business education teacher for South Point High School in Belmont.
Gaston County Schools told WBTV that as of June 25, Kirtley was no longer an employee with Gaston County Schools. A spokesman for the District said Kirtley resigned on June 24.
Kirtley was a business education teacher and wrestling coach at Mount Holly Middle School from 2014 to 2022. Then he moved to South Point High School in 2022 and maintained both roles.
According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Kirtley is accused of sending and receiving photos and videos of young children engaged in sexual activity. Law enforcement first became aware of Kirtley after former students reported receiving inappropriate messages from him soliciting sex.
Detectives also believe he took and attempted to take photos and videos of a minor “used for the purpose of arousing and gratifying a sexual desire.”
Detectives said they’re still searching through his electronic devices but believe the crimes date back to June 16.
Kirtley was charged with one felony count each of indecent liberties with a child and second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
More charges are likely, according to deputies, and he is being held on a $500,000 bond.
Belmont officers said they also have been working on this case and could be bringing charges forward. Officers also said that if any students know anything about this, to call the police as they continue the investigation.
Kirtley will be back in court on August 20.
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