Sullivan Middle assistant principal arrested on child sex charges

A Rock Hill middle school assistant principal has been arrested on charges of child sexual exploitation.

Rock Hill School officials confirmed Friday that 32-year-old Darin Pearson, an assistant principal at Sullivan Middle School, was arrested by Charlotte Mecklenburg Police.

Pearson is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a child.

The school’s website indicates Pearson’s duties include specifically working with sixth-grade students.

District spokeswoman Elaine Baker said Friday Pearson was first employed by the district in 2002 as a teacher at Sullivan Middle and later promoted to Assistant Principal in July 2007.

Prior to 2002, Pearson was a substitute teacher.

Baker said upon learning of the arrest, Sullivan Principal Michael Waiksnis recorded an automated phone alert that was sent to parents.

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Rock Hill school officials will work with the CMPD on their investigation, as requested,” district officials said in a written statement.

“In a meeting this morning with officials from the Rock Hill Police Dept., district officials were informed that there has not been an investigation in the past or one currently involving Mr. Pearson,” the statement read.