A former high school counselor, who recently resigned from Orange County Schools amid an investigation into her conduct, turned herself into authorities on Thursday to face charges of indecent liberties with students.
A release from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said 37-year-old Lesli Bryant was arrested following judges issuing a warrant for her on Wednesday. She is charged with two counts of indecent liberties with students and one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, according to the sheriff’s office and court documents.
Thursday’s release said Orange High administrators notified a school resource officer of allegations of misconduct by Bryant, leading to sheriff’s deputies and the district opening an investigation. Her arrest warrant says the indecent liberties instances allegedly took place in November 2025 and involved at least two students. The sexual exploitation of a minor charge stems from soliciting an inappropriate photo of one of the students.
Bryant worked at Orange High School for two school years, starting in August 2024. A separate release from Orange County Schools — which did not name Bryant, per district protocols — said the counselor resigned from her role on June 12. With this being a criminal matter and Bryant no longer being an employee, the school district deferred questions about the investigation and charges to local law enforcement.
The statement, shared by Orange County Schools Chief Communications Officer Jazmine Kilpatrick, said the district took this case “extremely seriously,” as it does for all matters involving the safety and well-being of students. A copy of the statement was shared with Orange High School families on Thursday.
“Upon receiving notice of allegations of misconduct of a now former Orange High School counselor, the district immediately reviewed and placed the employee on suspension with pay,” wrote Kilpatrick. “Orange County Schools remains committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.”
Bryant made her first appearance in court on Thursday at 2 p.m. to face the charges and subsequently posted her bond set at $50,000. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation into the situation is “active and ongoing,” recommended anyone who may have additional information into the case to call Investigator C. Tapp at 919-245-2964.
Featured image via Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
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