Wake teacher in jail, charged in sexual assault investigation dating back to 2005

A Wake County teacher is in the Wake County Detention Center after he allegedly sexually abused children over two decades ago.

Steven Robert Kohls, 57, of Dunn, was charged with eight counts of sexual activity by a custodian, three counts of sex offense in a parental role, and two counts of statutory sex offense of a child by an adult.

The alleged abuse was first reported on May 2, but Wake County Sheriff’s Office investigators say it began as far back as 2005.

Kohls is listed as a CTE teacher at Broughton Magnet High School in Raleigh.

He was arrested by the Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday and is being held without bail.

The school’s principal sent this letter to parents to notify them of Kohls’ arrest and charges:

“Broughton Magnet High School Families,

To keep you informed, I want to share information about an incident involving a staff member that you may see on the news.”

“We have learned that Career and Technical Education teacher Steven Kohls has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of statutory sex offense of a child by an adult, sexual activity by a custodian and sex offense - parental role. The charged conduct is alleged to have occurred in 2005 and is not related to incidents that occurred on our campus or with our current students.”

“I want to assure you that we take the safety of our students and staff members very seriously. While privacy laws prevent me from providing much additional information about the situation, I can share that Mr. Kohls is suspended with pay.”

“If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me by calling the school office at 919-856-7810.”

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 8:07 AM with the headline "Wake teacher in jail, charged in sexual assault investigation dating back to 2005."