Female teacher arrested, accused of sex with student in Union Co.

MONROE, NC (WBTV) - A Union County teacher is facing charges after police in Monroe say she was involved in a sexual relationship with a student.

According to the Monroe Police Department, investigators received a call on Tuesday about an inappropriate relationship involving a teacher and a 16-year-old student at Union Academy Charter School.

Investigators say Diana Leigh Farnell, 28, was charged with one count of sex offenses with a student after an investigation.

Officers issued a warrant for her arrest on Wednesday. On Thursday, she turned herself in to the Monroe Police Department and was taken to the Union County Jail.

Farnell was placed under a $10,000 secured bond and scheduled to appear in court on November 7.

As parents picked up their children from Union Academy today, some expressed frustration that the school had not reached out to them.

"They should have told us about it," one father said. "Especially because my son goes there. We want to make sure our children are safe there."

And some parents weren't so sure that their children have been safe after hearing that 28-year-old Diana Farnell was arrested and charged with one count of sex offenses with a student – a charge she confessed to, according to Pete Hovaneck – Communications Officer for the City of Monroe.  He said police have gathered a lot of information against her.

"They interviewed students and they interviewed Ms. Farnell and she admitted to the offense," Hovaneck said.
 
Union Academy Headmaster Ann Walters wouldn't talk on camera today but gave us a statement saying "we're working with law enforcement to do anything they may need."  When asked if she has anything to say to concerned parents, she said "This is a personnel issue and I'm not allowed to speak about it."

The investigation is ongoing and could potentially result in additional charges being followed.

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