Fayetteville teacher suspended after arrest on sex charges

Bradley Norman Dent, 46, was arrested at his home in the 7000 block of Lamure Drive. He is charged with one count of sex offense involving a juvenile and two counts of indecent liberties with a child.

Dent, a fourth-grade teacher at Long Hill Elementary School, at 6490 Ramsey St., declined to comment Tuesday after going through his initial court appearance and posting a $75,000 bond.

School Superintendent Frank Till said Dent is suspended with pay pending further information about the case.

"We're taking a real look at it," Till said.

Police said the alleged assault occurred between late April and late May at Carolina Counseling Services, at 1318 Raeford Road, where Dent worked part time as a counselor.

The teen's parents notified police of the alleged assault in May, but Fayetteville Police Department spokesman Gavin MacRoberts said the investigation takes time.

"You have to develop the evidence. You have to take your time with the interviews, look for other evidence," MacRoberts said.

An employee of Carolina Counseling Services, who declined to provide her name, said Dent is a licensed social worker who quit working at the facility a few months ago. She didn't say why he left.

MacRoberts said the teen doesn't live in Cumberland County.

Dent has taught in Cumberland County for 7½ years, and Till said he's heard no complaints about him previously.

Police wouldn't say whether they think there might be other victims, but they said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Fayetteville Police Department's youth services division at 910-433-1856 or Crime Stoppers at 910-483-TIPS.