A Roanoke City School teacher faces multiple charges after being caught in a child predator sting operation, shocking the community and raising concerns about student safety.
At a Glance
- Kevin Lee Joyce, 39, was arrested in an online undercover chat operation by Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office
- Joyce allegedly sought to meet with someone he believed to be a minor under 15 for sexual purposes
- The teacher faces five charges related to using communication systems to facilitate child solicitation
- Roanoke City Public Schools placed Joyce on leave and is cooperating with authorities
- The school district emphasized its rigorous background checks and focus on student safety
Teacher Arrested in Sting Operation
Kevin Lee Joyce, a 39-year-old instructor at Forest Park Academy in Roanoke, Virginia, was arrested on September 19, 2024, following an undercover chat operation conducted by the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office. Joyce is alleged to have engaged in conversations with an individual he believed to be a girl under the age of 15, expressing intentions to meet her for a sexual encounter.
Authorities moved swiftly to apprehend Joyce due to potential safety concerns and his position within the school system. The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office obtained search warrants for Joyce’s residence and school computer to gather additional evidence. Joyce now faces five counts of using communication systems to facilitate child solicitation offenses.
A Roanoke City School teacher was arrested on Wednesday following an online undercover chat operation that the Investigations Division of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office conducted with whom they suspected to be a sexual predator. https://t.co/41T18522jO
— WSLS 10 (@wsls) September 19, 2024
School District’s Response
Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) took immediate action upon learning of Joyce’s arrest. The district placed him on leave and is cooperating fully with law enforcement during the investigation. RCPS officials are now in the process of determining Joyce’s employment status pending the results of the investigation.
“As educators, we are entrusted with the well-being of the children in our care every day. We do not take this responsibility lightly. We are dedicated to supporting our students and our Forest Park community in any way we can and encourage students in need of counseling to reach out to their school counselor, sign up for counseling through Hazel Health, or call Carilion Connect at (540) 981-8181 for immediate assistance.”
The school district emphasized its commitment to student safety and the rigorous background checks implemented for all school employees. RCPS encouraged students who may need counseling in light of these events to reach out to school counselors or use available health services.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Child Predators
This arrest is part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies to protect children from online predators. In a separate operation in Fairfax County, Virginia, ten men were recently arrested in a three-day sting operation called “Operation ADC Express 2.” Undercover detectives posed as 13 or 14-year-old teens online, leading to multiple arrests when suspects attempted to meet the supposed minors in public places.
These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat posed by child predators, particularly in online environments. Law enforcement agencies continue to conduct similar operations to protect children and apprehend those who seek to exploit them. Parents are urged to discuss online safety with their children and utilize resources such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to stay informed about potential risks.
