PILOT MOUNTAIN — An East Surry High School employee who has been under investigation for more than a week had charges filed against her Monday by the Pilot Mountain Police Department.

Deborah W. Sechrist, 44, was charged with felony sexual offense with a student by school personnel, according to Chief Darryl Bottoms.

“This incident occurred November 2008,” said Bottoms. “Sechrist had relations with a high school senior that led to sexual intercourse.”

When school administrators confirmed there was a problem March 30, Sechrist was terminated from her position as a bus driver and cafeteria worker at the school. She had been employed there since 1999.

She has been placed under a $50,000 unsecured bond and is scheduled to appear in court April 27.

“Mrs. Sechrist has been very cooperative and apologetic to everyone affected by the incident,” said Bottoms.

As this is a personnel matter, officials within the school system offered no comment.

Attempts to reach Sechrist for comment were unsuccessful.