Three Durham Research Triangle Charter Academy Staff Members Charged For Allegedly Abusing Child

Three staff members from Durham Research Triangle Charter Academy have been arrested and charged with various crimes in connection to the alleged abuse of a student.

Investigation Begins with Serious Allegations

The investigation began in August when Durham police received a report of child abuse at Research Triangle Charter Academy, located at 2400 Ellis Road. Police responded to the scene around 6:32 p.m. on August 21, and what followed would lead to the arrest of three school employees.

Key Allegations Against the Suspects

According to police, Jeremy Raekwon Whitley, a 28-year-old school employee, was identified as the man responsible for assaulting the student, causing serious physical injuries.

Two other staff members, Nicole Anne Scotto and Melanie Butler Stack, both of whom worked at the school, were charged for allegedly attempting to cover up the abuse. Scotto, 35, served as the Dean of Special Education, and Stack, 47, was the school’s principal.

Charges

On November 4, Whitley was indicted on multiple charges, including felony child abuse inflicting serious physical injury, aggravated assault on an individual with a disability, misdemeanor child abuse, and assault on a child under 12.

Whitley turned himself in on November 7 and was booked into the Durham County Jail. He was released on a $50,000 secured bond.

Meanwhile, Nicole Anne Scotto and Melanie Butler Stack are facing charges of felony common law obstruction of justice and failure to report child abuse, adding more gravity to the case. Scotto were placed on administrative leave and Stack resigned from her position.

School’s Response to Allegations

In a statement issued by the school, a spokesperson expressed shock at the allegations:

“We were shocked to learn about these allegations and are cooperating fully with the police investigation,” the spokesperson said. “While privacy rights and the ongoing investigation limit the details I can share, what I can say is that we do not take lightly the trust our parents place in us to provide their children with a safe learning environment. The well-being of our scholars remains one of our highest priorities.”

The investigation is ongoing.