CHARLOTTE --- A Charlotte elementary school teacher has been accused of having inappropriate contact and assaulting several young boys during a summer camp he hosted at his home. Taji Brown, 29 years old, was arrested Tuesday and charged with indecent liberties with a student and indecent liberties with a child.
The alleged incidents happened during an overnight camp Brown ran from his home on Pebble Creek Way during the summer. He called the program "Gentleman Understanding Destiny by Overcoming Your Statistics."
"The acronym was G.U.D.B.O.Y.S," said Lt. Tom Barry with CMPD's Special Victims Division.
A search warrant contained disturbing details about what went on behind closed doors. Several children were interviewed about Brown, claiming he insisted on bathing them. One said "the suspect helped everyone get showered" and used a rag to clean his entire body, including his private parts. Others described physical abuse, including "getting a whooping with a thick black belt" as a form of discipline.
"This is yet another example of how we have built a case based on a child disclosing what's going on in their life because of that relationship with their parent or guardian," said Lt. Barry. "And this is courageous of that child."
Brown is a 5th grade teacher at Billingsville Elementary School. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools says he's been with the district since 2011, but is now suspended with pay.
CMPD says none of the crimes happened at Billingsville, but it's where Brown preyed upon vulnerable familes. Detectives say he asked single moms to put their sons in his mentoring program so they'd have a positive male role model in their lives.
"Taking advantage of people who are trusting and need the help," Lt. Barry said.
Police think there may be more victims out there. If you have any information about Brown, you're asked to call CrimeStoppers at 704-334-1600.