UPDATE: A Salisbury High School teacher, Juan Pablo Valencia-Chavez, has been arrested on serious charges of possessing child pornography. The Salisbury Police Department confirmed the arrest occurred on January 6, 2026, following a thorough investigation initiated after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
The investigation began on October 30, 2025, when authorities received reports of an unidentified individual in Salisbury uploading suspected child pornography. Detectives, with the assistance of the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation and the Landis Police Department, quickly identified Valencia-Chavez, 35, as the suspect. A search warrant executed at his home in Landis led to the seizure of digital items containing explicit images and videos consistent with child pornography.
Valencia-Chavez is currently facing one count of felony third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. He has been remanded to the Rowan County Detention Center under a bond set at $20,000.
Following the initiation of the investigation, school officials acted swiftly to protect students, ensuring Valencia-Chavez had no further interactions with them. Chief P.J. Smith emphasized, “Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our children. We will always pursue these investigations with the utmost seriousness to ensure that those responsible for this type of egregious activity are held accountable.”
Parents and community members are urged to stay informed as this case develops. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Detective McDaniel at 704-638-5333.
This alarming incident raises significant concerns about child safety in educational environments. As the investigation continues, more details are expected to unfold, highlighting the critical need for vigilance in protecting children from exploitation.
