Coach resigns from Union County Public Schools after child porn arrest, officials say

UNION COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A coach with Sun Valley middle and high schools has been arrested for possession of child pornography, the Union County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies said Jeffrey Schneider, 56, of Waxhaw, was arrested as part of an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation that is currently ongoing.

Union County Public Schools confirmed with QCN on Wednesday that Schneider has resigned from UCPS. “He is no longer an employee with UCPS,” they said.

Detectives said they received a cyber tip that Schneider downloaded images flagged as child pornography. Investigators then learned that Schneider was employed as a school coach.

According to officials, authorities executed a search warrant at Schneider”s home on the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 17. During that search, several devices were seized and Schneider was arrested.

Schneider is being held on a $50,000 secured bond and is charged with ten counts of Felony Second Degree Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.

Union County Public Schools officials said on Tuesday that Schneider was placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

“Our detectives have seen a significant increase in online exploitation cases over the past several years,” Sheriff Eddie Cathey said in a statement. “These offenders believe that they can commit their crimes on the internet and will never be held accountable for their actions . . . I encourage all local parents to monitor their children’s internet activity and to report any suspicious communications their child may receive.”

Sheriff Cathey said multiple organizations were part of this investigation including electronics detection K-9 “Mac” from the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with further information is asked to call 911, the UCSO at 704-283-3789, or Union County Crime Stoppers at 704-283-5600.

Union County Public Schools released the following statement to Queen City News Tuesday.

“UCPS hired Mr. Schneider in August 2015. He has held several positions as an instructional coach over the years. He is currently an instructional coach at Sun Valley middle and high schools. He is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.”