A high school teacher in Virginia has been arrested and charged with attempting to meet a minor for illicit purposes, according to the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office. Kevin Lee Joyce, a 39-year-old teacher at Forest Park Academy in the Roanoke City Public Schools system, was taken into custody on Wednesday after an undercover operation revealed his alleged intentions.
The investigation, which began on September 10, targeted Joyce due to suspicions that he was a potential child predator. Authorities decided to intervene before he could travel to the planned meet-up, given his position of trust as a teacher working with minors.
During an interview with detectives, Joyce reportedly admitted to the allegations against him. He has been charged with five counts of using communication systems to facilitate offenses against minors.
The Roanoke City Public Schools district has cooperated with the investigation and has placed Joyce on leave pending the outcome. In a statement to parents, the district emphasized its commitment to student safety and well-being, highlighting the rigorous background checks and training in place to prevent such incidents.
The district’s statement also encouraged students who may be affected by the situation to seek counseling. The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference to announce Joyce’s arrest, expressing relief that they were able to intervene before he could harm anyone.
