The Durham Police Department reports that its Special Victims Unit has arrested and charged three individuals in connection with a child abuse investigation that was initiated in August 2024.

Around 6:32 p.m. on August 21, DPD says its officers responded to a report of child abuse at the Research Triangle Charter Academy in the 2400 block of Ellis Road.

Police allege that a school employee, 28-year-old Jeremy Raekwon Whitley, assaulted a student and caused serious physical injuries.

On November 4, authorities say Whitley was indicted on charges of Felony Child Abuse Inflicting Serious Physical Injury, Aggravated Assault on an Individual with a Disability, Misdemeanor Child Abuse, and Assault on a Child Under 12.

DPD confirms that Whitley turned himself in on November 7. Police have also arrested school employees, 35-year-old Nicole Ann Scotto and 47-year-old Melanie Butler Stack. They are charged with Felony Common Law Obstruction of Justice and Failure to Report Child Abuse.

Scotto and Stack were released on unsecured bonds. Whitley was released on a $50,000 secured bond.