Update: 5:00 p.m. – New Hanover County School Superintendent Tim Markley has initiated proceedings to fire Isaac Bear teacher Michael Earl Kelly, facing child pornography charges.
WILMINGTON — In district court today the prosecution asked for a $2 million bond for New Hanover County School teacher Michael Earl Kelly, who is charged with possession of child pornography and indecent liberties with a student at the school where Kelly taught. The prosecution said more severe charges would be forthcoming.
Related story: New Hanover County Schools to fire teacher facing child pornography charges
Kelly made his first appearance via television from a New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office detention facility. During his brief televised appearance before District Judge Jeffrey E. Noecker, Kelly said that he had “done a lot of good work in the school system” as a teacher at the Isaac Bear school. He added that he had also “made some bad choices.”
Kelly is charged with three counts of indecent liberties with a minor and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor — a charge which Assistant District Attorney Connie Jordan said is expected to be increased to a first-degree offense.
Jordan added that an unspecified number of child porn images were being reviewed by law enforcement.
The third-degree charge refers to possession of child pornography, while the first-degree offense is even more severe, and includes someone who:
- Uses, employs, induces, coerces, encourages, or facilitates a minor to engage
in or assist others to engage in sexual activity for a live performance or for
the purpose of producing material that contains a visual representation
depicting this activity - Permits a minor under his custody or control to engage in sexual activity for
a live performance or for the purpose of producing material that contains a
visual representation depicting this activity - Transports or finances the transportation of a minor through or across this
State with the intent that the minor engage in sexual activity for a live
performance or for the purpose of producing material that contains a visual
representation depicting this activity - Records, photographs, films, develops, or duplicates for sale or pecuniary
gain material that contains a visual representation depicting a minor engaged
in sexual activity.
Related story: New Hanover County teacher arrested for indecent liberties, sexually exploiting a minor
Kelly said he believed his wife was making arrangements for legal representation. Judge Noecker increased Kelly’s bond to $1 million with the added stipulations that, should he be able to pay the bond, Kelly not have any contact with any minor, including through school-related activities. Jordan further requested that Kelly not have any communication – including cell phone – with any minor.
Kelly’s next appearance is for Thursday, Feb. 22, in District Courtroom 302.
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