Wake teacher charged with child sex crimes, ordered to stay away from alleged victims

Miguel Bonano, who is out of jail on bond, appeared in court Thursday. The court ordered Bonano to have no contact with any alleged victims and to not be in the presence of a minor without supervision.

On Wednesday, the Zebulon Police Department posted on social media they'd received a complaint on May 25. For the past several weeks, detectives worked alongside East Wake Academy and the Wake County District Attorney's Office to investigate the complaint.

On Wednesday, they arrested Bonano, who has been a teacher at East Wake Academy since 2003.

East Wake parents tell WRAL News that the behavior has been going on for years and that some female students were concerned about taking classes with Bonano. Andrea Sloan said both of her daughters heard rumors.

"I'm trying to think of a PG way to say it ... [he] would stand at their desk with his groin right there or he would reach all the way over them if he had a question," said Sloan.

Other parents said Bonano would make inappropriate comments to girls and would ask them to do stretches they were uncomfortable with. Parents said it's been going on for years.

"This is a thing of habitual behavior," said Sloan.

East Wake Academy declined to say if there was a history of complaints -- but said the school has been cooperating with Zebulon police.

"School should be a place for students to feel safe. Teachers are our children’s guardians when they are at school. Any activity that threatens the sanctity of the school house has no place in this community and our officers will work tirelessly to make certain our children are protected," wrote Zebulon police on their social media page.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said the charges come down to the experience of a single student who came forward earlier this year.

"We commend the courage and bravery of the student who came forward. Their fearlessness likely saved another student from having to endure what they did. We should all aspire to have such valor," wrote the Zebulon police.

Zebulon police have asked that any other students who've passed through Bonano's classroom over the years come forward if they have similar stories to tell. Current or former students who believe they may have information pertinent to this case should contact Detective Marcella Abate at 919-823-1825.