A high school counselor in Hillsborough, North Carolina, has been charged with indecent liberties and sexual exploitation of a minor following an investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior with two male students. Lesli Bryant, 37, surrendered to authorities on July 2 and was released on a $50,000 bond posted by her husband, Daniel Bryant, a vice president at Credit Suisse. She has not yet entered a plea to the charges.
Authorities allege Bryant sent nude images to one 17-year-old student and requested similar images from a 16-year-old. The Orange County Sheriff's Office stated that the boys and their families are cooperating with criminal proceedings. While the age of consent in North Carolina is 16, adults in positions of authority can face charges for relationships with individuals under 18.
Investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting Bryant engaged in inappropriate digital conduct with three additional young men, separate from the two students. The sheriff's report indicated that these events revealed Bryant was "abusing her position within the school to create inappropriate relationships with both current and former students." There is no suggestion that the conduct with these three men broke the law.
Bryant, who previously worked at Orange High School, resigned from her position on June 12. She had initially been suspended with pay. The school has not commented on the circumstances of her resignation.
The couple resides in a $650,000 home in Hillsborough with their two young sons. Daniel Bryant, an investment banker, declined to comment on the allegations when reached by phone.
In 2013, Daniel Bryant proposed to Lesli Lambeth on Myrtle Beach, spelling out his proposal on the sand and then surprising her with a helicopter ride to view it. They later married and settled in their North Carolina hometown.
Bryant is due back in court on July 20. She has no prior criminal history and was deemed a low flight risk.
