Former Randolph County Teacher Charged By Invictus Task Force

RANDOLPH COUNTY — A former Randolph County Schools teacher has been arrested and charged with multiple sex offenses involving students, following a months-long investigation by the Invictus Task Force.

Authorities say the investigation began in November 2024 after a report of child exploitation. Investigators later identified William Edward Villano as a suspect.

On Aug. 15, 2025, deputies executed a search warrant and took Villano into custody. He is charged with two felony counts of indecent liberties with a student and two felony counts of sex acts with a student. Court records allege the crimes occurred in August and October of 2024 with two students, while Villano was working as a teacher at Uwharrie Ridge 6–12 in Trinity.

Villano was booked into the Randolph County Jail under a $45,000 secured bond. He later posted bond through a surety company and was released the same day but is under house arrest with electronic monitoring as a condition of release. His first court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 18 in Randolph County District Court.

In an email Friday, the Randolph County School System confirmed Villano’s last day of employment was Nov. 26, 2024, noting that he “was not suspended while working for our school system.” Superintendent Stephen Gainey said the district complies with all mandatory reporting obligations to law enforcement and the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction but added that state law prevents further comment on personnel matters.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information to contact the Invictus Task Force. You can also submit tips anonymously to the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office through CrimStoppers.