UNION COUNTY, N.C. — An instructional coach at a high school and middle school in Union County has been arrested and accused of sexually exploiting minors.
Jeffrey Schneider, 56, is facing 10 charges of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the Union County Sheriff's Office.
Schneider is employed as an instructional coach at Sun Valley High School and Middle School but has been placed on administrative leave, according to the sheriff's office.
Officials say images that Schneider allegedly possessed or downloaded were flagged as child pornography.
Schneider was booked into Union County jail on Tuesday. He faces a $50,000 bond.
“Our detectives have seen a significant increase in online exploitation cases over the past several years. These offenders believe that they can commit their crimes on the internet and will never be held accountable for their actions," Union County Sheriff Eddie Cathey said. "My office remains committed to identifying, locating, and apprehending online predators so that we can ensure the safety of our children and teenagers. I encourage all local parents to monitor their children’s internet activity and to report any suspicious communications their child may receive.”
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Union County Sheriff's Office at (704) 283-3789.