RALEIGH -- A retired Davidson County school teacher is in jail today accused of sexually abusing a middle school boy in the early 1980’s. The State Bureau of Investigation arrested Thomas Tilman Cridlebaugh, 71, at his High Point residence Wednesday on 10 counts of sex offenses against a boy who attended Ledford Middle School where Cridlebaugh was a teacher.

“We believe there are other victims who were abused by Cridlebaugh based on all of the information we have gathered up to this point,” stated Scott Williams, SBI special agent in charge. “In many cases an arrest signifies the end of an investigation, but in this case it is just the beginning.”

This case began when an adult victim recently contacted the SBI to report the abuse he says he suffered as a boy at the hands of Cridlebaugh. The victim says the abuse occurred primarily at the middle school. The SBI took this information to District Attorney Garry Frank who requested the SBI investigate the allegations against Cridlebaugh.

The SBI has identified other alleged victims who acknowledge they were sexually abused by Cridlebaugh and some have provided corroborative statements, but agents are continuing to search for additional alleged victims, according to Williams.

Williams said releasing more details about the victims and the case could negatively impact the investigation and prosecution of Cridlebaugh. “This investigation is not over and we will not undermine the investigation by sharing further facts of the case with the public at this time,” Williams said. “Our goal, at the moment, is to find other victims and witnesses, if they exist. Of course, we hope that is not the case, but we will do our due diligence.”

Cridlebaugh was charged with three counts of first degree sex offense and seven counts of second degree sex offense. These violations occurred between 1981-1983. He is being held at the Davidson County Jail under a $5 million bond. His first appearance is today.

Anyone with knowledge that could assist investigators in this case is asked to contact the SBI at 336-209-5201. The information provided will remain confidential.

E-mail correspondence sent to and from this address may be subject to the provisions of G.S. 132-1, the North Carolina Public Records Law, and may be subject to monitoring and disclosed to third parties, including law enforcement personnel, by an authorized state official.

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Contact: Teresa West
Phone: (919) 582-8511