SALISBURY, N.C. (May 29, 2026) — Detectives with the Salisbury Police Department have arrested a Rowan-Salisbury School System teacher following an investigation into allegations involving a former
student.
On May 28, 2026, detectives obtained felony warrants charging David Steelman (DOB: 06/06/1974) with eight counts of Sex Offense with a Student and two counts of Indecent Liberties with a Student.
The charges stem from an investigation that began in 2020 involving allegations of offenses that reportedly occurred in 2012. The investigation identified one victim, who was a student at Salisbury High School at the time of the alleged incidents. Detectives determined the alleged offenses occurred both on and off school property.
Steelman is currently employed by the Rowan-Salisbury School System as a teacher at Corriher-Lipe Middle School. At the time of the reported offenses, he was employed by the school system as an information technology technician at Salisbury High School.
On May 29, 2026, Steelman turned himself in to authorities. He was served with the outstanding warrants and is currently being held in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $500,000 secured bond.
This remains an active criminal case. Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact Detective E. L. McDaniel with the Salisbury Police Department at 704-638-5333 or submit information anonymously through Salisbury-Rowan Crime Stoppers at 866-639-5245.
