High school teacher arrested after allegedly raping student

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    Greensboro, NC (WGHP) — A now-former Smith High School teacher is accused of raping a student, according to an arrest report.

Daniel Webster Smith Jr., 57, of Raleigh, has been charged with felony sex act with a student and felony second-degree forcible rape.

Police report Smith was an Air Force JROTC instructor at Smith High School when the crimes were committed and the victim was a student.

During Smith’s court appearance on Tuesday, a detective with the Greensboro Police Department detailed more regarding their investigation.

He stated that the crime happened around 1 p.m. Monday in Smith’s office. He allegedly locked his door with the student inside and committed the crime.

That student immediately contacted a school resource officer on campus.

The detective also stated that during questioning, Smith denied the allegation that he raped the student. Then, when asked for a DNA sample Smith is alleged to have confessed to having relations with the student, but that it was consensual.

Guilford County Schools said Tuesday that Smith was hired on Feb. 27, 2016. He resigned effective Tuesday.

Tony Watlington, the chief of schools, explained how troubling it is to hear the news. He said, “We absolutely are committed to making sure our students are safe. We will be reaching out to this student and her family to make sure she has all the support necessary.”

Smith is being held on a $2.5 million bond and will have his next court date on Jan. 23.

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