URGENT UPDATE: A teacher from Salisbury High School has been arrested on serious charges of possessing child pornography, triggering significant concern in the community. Police arrested 35-year-old Juan Pablo Valencia-Chavez on January 6, 2026, following a detailed investigation launched after a tip-off from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The investigation began on October 30, 2025, when authorities were alerted to an individual in Salisbury uploading disturbing content. The Salisbury Police Department, with assistance from the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and the Landis Police Department, quickly identified Valencia-Chavez as the suspect. They obtained a search warrant for his home in Landis, where detectives seized digital items for forensic analysis.
During this search, investigators uncovered images and videos “consistent with child pornography,” leading to Valencia-Chavez’s arrest. He now faces one count of felony third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor and is currently held in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $20,000 bond.
In response to the investigation, school officials acted swiftly to ensure the safety of students, stating that they took immediate measures to prevent any further contact between Valencia-Chavez and the school community.
“Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our children. We will always pursue these investigations with the utmost seriousness,”
said Chief P.J. Smith of the Salisbury Police Department.
The implications of this case are profound, raising urgent questions about safety in schools and the responsibilities of educators. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to step forward and contact Detective McDaniel at 704-638-5333.
As this investigation unfolds, the community remains on high alert, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance in protecting children from potential harm. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.