NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the alleged crimes and because authorities are asking for victims to come forward.
A North Carolina dance instructor who was a guest instructor at a Charlotte-area studio is facing child sex charges across the state.
On Friday, the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 41-year-old Elissa Susan Edwards. She was arrested in Raleigh Thursday and jailed in New Hanover County on eight charges. Four of the charges are for indecent liberties with a child, while the other four are for statutory rape of a child greater than six years old.
Online jail records for Edwards indicate she is being held in jail for most of the charges filed by other law enforcement offices in the Tar Heel State. New Hanover County deputies are asking possible victims or witnesses to come forward and call (910) 798-4287. Anonymous tips can also be shared online.
One of the studios where Edwards was a guest instructor was the Havilah Dance Company in Matthews, a suburb of Charlotte. Studio leadership sent an email to families about Edwards' arrest, which was then shared with WCNC Charlotte:
Dear HDC Families,
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you about a matter that has come to our attention, and to reassure you about our commitment to the safety and well-being of our students.
As of today, we learned that one of our guest instructors/choreographers, Elissa Edwards, has been charged with a serious criminal offense. I want to emphasize that this individual will no longer be on residency with Havilah Dance Company. We are deeply troubled by this news and prayerful for all involved. Our hearts are heavy as we have been completely blindsided by this.
We understand this news is very unsettling, please know we are here for you and your families. Again, the safety and well-being of our students are our top priorities, and we remain committed to providing a positive and secure environment for everyone at our studio.
WCNC Charlotte also reached out to Havilah for further comment. As of publication, a response has not been provided to a series of questions submitted to them via an email form on their website.
NBC affiliate WRAL-TV in Raleigh reports one of the students Edwards is accused of victimizing was in Raleigh. She worked as an instructor at the CC & Co. Dance Complex there, and the studio notified families Edwards is no longer employed there. The studio said in a message to parents the charges were not tied to it.
WRAL-TV also noted she was the second employee from CC & Co. to be accused of child sex crimes this summer; 33-year-old Justin McKoy was charged with multiple counts of abuse in June. However, warrants indicated he didn't know the children from his work with the studio.
If you or a loved one is facing domestic violence, help is readily available. You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Resources for help are available in both North Carolina and South Carolina.
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.