Former Teacher Arrested

63-year-old Michael John Daigler was arrested on January 6 by Valdese Police Officers. He faces charges of dissemination of obscene material to minors under 16. Daigler is a former Burke County Public Schools teacher.

In November 2025, parents in Valdese reported allegations that Daigler had shared obscene materials with minors. Valdese Police contacted the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force through the State Bureau of Investigation and launched a joint investigation. Following the execution of a search warrant at his Burke County residence, Daigler was arrested in Caldwell County on January 6.

Burke County Schools were notified of the arrest. The district had learned of the investigation in mid-November, suspending Daigler with pay on November 10 and later without pay on December 17. Superintendent Dr. Mike Swan has recommended termination, which will be considered by the Board of Education at its January 26 meeting. Daigler’s last assignment was at Valdese Elementary School.

The district says it has followed due process and will report the case to the State Board of Education to determine if his teaching license should be revoked. All employees undergo background checks during hiring, and the district cooperates fully with law enforcement when criminal allegations arise.

Superintendent Swan said, “Our priority is the wellbeing and safety of our students, and we are prepared to provide support for students and staff as needed. We have conducted our own internal investigation and continue to fully support law enforcement.”

Daigler, who was first employed by the district on March 11, 2015, is being held in Burke County Jail on a $500,000 secured bond. No court date has been set. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Valdese Police Department at 828-879-2101.