ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (WAVY) — An employee of Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools was arrested Monday morning in Elizabeth City for sex crimes against children.
According to police, detectives executed a search warrant in the area of 1100 Chalk Street. During the search, officers arrested 42-year-old Jesse Roe Cassino of Elizabeth City. Cassino is charged with five counts of second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.
Cassino, a teacher at Northeastern High School, was processed and taken to the magistrate’s office. He was then escorted to his first court appearance at Pasquotank County District Court, where he was given a $200,000 bond and taken to Albemarle District Jail.
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools released a statement following Cassino’s arrest:
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools (ECPPS) is aware that, on August 4, 2025, an employee of the district, Jesse Cassino, a teacher at Northeastern High School, was arrested and charged by the Elizabeth City Police Department with one or more criminal offenses. Mr. Cassino is currently suspended from his employment pending an investigation.
As this is an ongoing legal matter, and due to the confidentiality of personnel information, the district is limited in the details that can be shared at this time. However, ECPPS is cooperating fully with law enforcement during this investigation.
ECPPS is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff. We take these matters seriously and will continue to monitor the situation closely, taking any further action that may be appropriate.
We appreciate the community’s understanding and support during this time.
Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools
10 On Your Side spoke to a former student of Cassino’s as well as other Elizabeth City
“I think we need to talk about things,” said former student Jean Carlos Gonzalez. “I think that’s the biggest thing, people don’t talk about these things. They can happen and then it leaves the children as victims because they don’t know any better.”
“It’s sad when it happens,” said Elizabeth City resident Vikki Smith. “It impacts children and families, and I hate that it happened.”
Police say this remains an active and ongoing investigation. They urge anyone with additional information related to this incident to come forward.
Cassino is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 14.
Tips can be submitted through the following numbers:
- Elizabeth City Police Department: (252) 335-4321
- Crime Line: (252) 335-5555
- FUSUS Text-a-Tip: (252) 390-8477
