Raleigh Teacher Resigns After Sex Charge

Raleigh, N.C. — A Sanderson High School social studies teacher resigned Monday after being charged with taking indecent liberties with a student.

Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue said Shannon Lynn Best, 33, of 5937-A Shade Tree Lane, was charged following a weekend encounter at Best's apartment with the 18-year-old female student.

Best was released from the Wake County jail Monday under a $5,000 secured bond.

Although the alleged victim is of legal age, police said criminal charges are being pursued because of the teacher-student nature of the alleged encounter.

"Under (state) statute, there is no age of consent when the suspect is a teacher and the victim is a student," Sughrue said.

Michael Evans, a spokesman for the Wake County Public School System, said Best taught at Sanderson High since August 2004.

Students who were in her class, said Tuesday they were shocked by the news.

"She was a good person. She was a really nice teacher," said student Kendall Joyner said.

"It's crazy – stuff that happens these days," another student, Ashley Fletcher, said. "You never know anymore."