Peter Frank s trial is set for Aug. 16 in Bladen County, according to Laura Brewer, N.C. Department of Justice public information officer.
Brewer said a motion to change venue due to pre-trial publicity was approved, and the judge chose Bladen. Attorney General Josh Stein s office was handed the case by New Hanover and Pender County District Attorney Ben David due to a conflict of interest early on in the case.
Attorney Bruce Mason is representing Frank and declined to comment on the upcoming trial.
Frank is accused of committing sex crimes against students from 1998 to 2019 while he was employed at Roland-Grise Middle School. He is charged with 29 counts of felony sex crimes against children and students, including first-degree sexual offenses, statutory sex offenses with a person who is aged 13, 14, or 15, sexual activity with a student, indecent liberties with a child, and indecent liberties with a student.
When Beth Gaglione first learned one of her daughter s teachers had been arrested for sexual abuse, she said the best thing she could do was keep an open line of communication with her children.
She had to find a way to talk with her daughter about how someone who seems like a good teacher or coach like her former Issac Bear Early College High School teacher, Michael Earl Kelly, who was sentenced to 17 years in prison for sexual abuse can also have this other thing that happens in their life. They’ve (his students) had to grow up a little faster, she said. They’ve had to learn some things about how people can be two things at one time.
Superintendent, parents respond following arrest of retired Hoggard volleyball coach charged with sex crimes against students
School superintendent, parents respond to arrest of retired Hoggard volleyball coach By WECT Staff | April 12, 2021 at 4:23 PM EDT - Updated April 13 at 11:05 AM
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - Retired Hoggard High School volleyball coach Ronnie Lynn Strickland was arrested on Monday after he was accused of decades-old sex crimes against two students.
A news release from New Hanover County Schools states that Strickland was relieved of his duties earlier this year after the district received a tip through social media about the alleged conduct.
New Hanover County superintendent visits middle school as plan A begins
New Hanover County superintendent visits middle school as plan A begins By Kassie Simmons | April 12, 2021 at 2:38 PM EDT - Updated April 12 at 5:22 PM
WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) - This morning, Williston Middle School welcomed students back from spring break â but itâs been over a year since its students were in class five days a week.
Itâs almost like getting back to normal. Moving into Plan A, New Hanover County Schools has a number of safety and health protocols in place to protect students and staff. Desks are spread apart, students wear masks and hand sanitizer is offered throughout the school.