Former Johnston teacher faces more sex abuse charges

Paul Clifton Canally, 29, of 148 Buchanan Lane, was arrested last week on charges that he sexually abused a teenage boy numerous times over a 19-month span. Two days after his arrest, police filed charges of statutory rape and soliciting a child by computer against him in connection with a second alleged victim.

Police said Friday that a third alleged victim had come forward, prompting another four counts of indecent liberties with a minor.

Canally was a seventh-grade science teacher at Archer Lodge Middle School from August 2007 to July 2009, when he resigned for personal reasons, Johnston County Schools spokeswoman Terri Sessoms said.

The alleged abuse is said to have occurred between June 2010 and last September, police said.

Sessoms said there were no written complaints against Canally during his tenure, and the school district took no disciplinary actions against him.

Canally was being held Friday in the Johnston County Jail under more than $2 million bond.