Charlotte School Administrator Faces Serious Felony Charges

News Summary

The Charlotte community is in shock after Scott Waybright, a longtime administrator at Charlotte Country Day School, was arrested on felony charges linked to secret peeping. The investigation revealed hundreds of inappropriate photos on his school laptop, raising serious safety concerns among parents and staff. Following his termination, Waybright now faces multiple charges as the school takes steps to improve safeguarding practices.

Disturbing Allegations Rock Charlotte as School Administrator Faces Serious Charges

Charlotte, NC – The community of Charlotte is reeling from the shocking news surrounding a longtime administrator at the prestigious Charlotte Country Day School. Scott Waybright, 58, who has been with the school since 1995, was arrested recently on felony charges connected to secret peeping. This unsettling situation has raised significant concerns about safety and trust within the school environment.

Beginning of the Investigation

The events that led to Waybright’s arrest began unfolding when school officials alerted the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) on November 29 about suspected criminal activities. Alarm bells rang after a teacher reported an incident from 2023 involving a student, which caused school leadership to take further action. Waybright’s work phone and laptop were confiscated on November 18, and initial examinations, including a review by the head of school, did not yield incriminating evidence. Frustrated by the perceived lack of thoroughness, the school hired a private detective for a deeper investigation.

What They Found

As the investigation took a serious turn, a forensic examination was conducted on November 18, leading to the startling discovery of a large number of inappropriate photos on Waybright’s school laptop. CMPD detectives uncovered *hundreds of photos*, which troublingly included several images of women’s legs and buttocks. At least five of these photos were *taken from angles* that appeared to aim at viewing undergarments. The investigators also noted that some photos appeared to be of students, while others were taken in public locations, raising alarm about Waybright’s conduct.

Firing and Charges

With mounting evidence, Waybright was terminated from his position on December 2, a decision that highlighted the school’s commitment to safeguarding its students. The investigation revealed additional disturbing material, including videos created using a video-clipping app, with one disturbing video featuring a woman shopping in a grocery store. Alarmingly, many inappropriate photos seemed to have been deleted before the forensic examination could uncover the complete scope of his actions.

A Troubling Past

This isn’t the first time Waybright has faced scrutiny. Back in 2017, allegations surfaced that he photographed another man’s wife in the school library, but that investigation cleared him due to lack of evidence. This prior incident raises unsettling questions about a pattern of behavior that may have been overlooked.

Current Status and Next Steps

Waybright turned himself in to authorities on December 6 and now faces five counts of possessing photographic images obtained in violation of the peeping statute, alongside charges of secretly using a photographic device. After posting a $50,000 bond, he had his first court appearance on December 9, with his next court date scheduled for December 31. Meanwhile, the school has barred him from all campuses and is cooperating fully with law enforcement.

Community Reaction and Future Actions

The investigation and subsequent revelations have left parents and staff shocked, echoing worries about the safety of children in educational institutions. Charlotte Country Day School has responded by initiating a review of its safeguarding practices and is forming a task force with national experts to ensure nothing like this can happen again.

In November, another staff member, former track coach Matthew Elliott, was arrested on charges of indecent liberties with a female student, further compounding the distressing atmosphere surrounding the school. As these cases unfold, the community is left grappling with the implications and the need for enhanced vigilance in protecting its youth.