****UPDATE: Thomas, who is out of custody after posting bond, appeared in Orange County Court on Thursday and was given a court date of August 25 for his case to be heard.****
A Chapel Hill man has been arrested and charged with two counts of indecent liberties with a student after an investigation by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say Philip Anthony Thomas was arrested at his home on Amberwood Run on Wednesday morning in relation to an allegation of “inappropriate conduct involving a part time teacher and a child” at Our PlayHouse Preschool and Kindergarten on Highway 54 in Chapel Hill.
The investigation showed that the alleged incidents occurred during summer camps being held at the school during the weeks of June 12 and June 19, according to a release.
Additional charges are possible, authorities say, while the investigation is ongoing.
Thomas has been employed by other early childhood development organizations in the past, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas is being held at the Orange County Detention Center under a $20,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday afternoon.
Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to contact Investigator Hunter with the Sheriff’s Office at (919) 245-2915.
Photo via Orange County Sheriff’s Office
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