BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — A former Burke County teacher who also worked at a church in Morganton is facing charges for alleged crimes against children, investigators announced Wednesday.
Aaron Doyle Mirtsching was charged with three counts of third-degree exploitation of a minor by the Burke County Sheriff's Office after deputies received an online tip alleging Mirtsching of misconduct. He was arrested and is scheduled to appear in court Thursday, Aug. 24.
Mirtsching was a kindergarten teacher at New Dimensions Charter School in Morganton, according to a now-deleted LinkedIn profile. The school confirmed that Mirtsching was a former employee, telling WCNC Charlotte he resigned after the last school year and was not involved with the school when he was arrested.
"We are cooperating with all authorities involved with this investigation," the school said in a statement. "At this time, we have not been made aware of any circumstances relating to New Dimensions."
Thrive Church in Morganton said Mirtsching was fired from his staff position after being arrested. Church leaders said they were unaware of any ongoing investigation before they were notified of his arrest.
"Thrive Church - Morganton is committed to the safety and well-being of all those who attend," the church's statement reads. "The church has background checks on leaders, employees, and staff and we offer our full cooperation and support to authorities and law enforcement."
Burke County investigators announced further charges for Mirstsching on Friday, saying additional information was provided on Thursday. At the time of that announcement, he faced 10 new counts of indecent liberties with a minor, with total charges at 13.
On Aug. 29, the sheriff's office further charged Mirtsching with two counts of indecent liberties with a minor, bringing his total charges to 15. Since his initial charges were announced, he has been granted secured bonds totaling $220,000.
He will first appear in court on Thursday, Aug. 31.
Burke County investigators haven't announced Mirtsching's relationship with his alleged victim(s). Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Burke County Sheriff's Office at 828-764-9500.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case because investigators have asked for potential victims to come forward.
Note: WCNC instituted a policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshot of the suspect in this case because of his position as a teacher and church staff member to help authorities identify more potential victims.