Catawba Elementary Teacher Charged Following Student Investigation

The Catawba County Sheriff’s Office says a teacher at Catawba Elementary School has been charged following an investigation involving a student.

According to investigators, the Criminal Investigations Division Special Victims Unit began investigating after the Catawba County School System notified law enforcement on Monday, May 11, 2026, about an incident that reportedly occurred on May 8.

Authorities say 42-year-old Christina McCarthy of Sherrills Ford was charged with misdemeanor child abuse and misdemeanor assault on a child under 12.

Officials say McCarthy received a $30,000 secured bond and was scheduled to appear in Catawba County District Court on May 12, 2026.

The investigation remains ongoing.