AHOSKIE – An individual providing Driver’s Education for the Hertford County Public School system has been arrested and charged with taking indecent liberties with a child.

David Darnell Robertson, 41, of 316 East Richard Street, Ahoskie, made his first court appearance yesterday (Friday) after being released on a $20,000 secured bond following his Thursday night arrest.

Robertson, who is a member of the Hertford County Board of Elections, is contracted by Hertford County Schools to provide Driver’s Education. He is not employed by the school system.

J. Wendell Hall, Chairman of the Hertford County Democratic Party, the entity responsible for making appointments to the Board of Elections, told the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald on Friday that he would contact the North Carolina Democratic Party for guidance in how to handle the situation in regards to Robertson’s board seat.

The incident allegedly occurred May 21 in Ahoskie. The victim was a 17-year-old female student.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh said his office received a call on May 22 from the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office regarding the alleged sexual assault incident, which is a felony. APD Lt. Jeanette Mathias was assigned the case and launched an investigation.

“Lt. Mathias visited the home of the alleged victim who lives in the county,” Chief Fitzhugh said. “After interviewing the victim, Lt. Mathias interviewed staff members of the school system and then, joined by (APD) Detective Michele Garrett, interviewed the suspect.”

Chief Fitzhugh said after his officers collected the statements as well as gaining information from other sources, Robertson was arrested Thursday night.

A portion of the information gained from the investigation revealed that Robertson had provided Driver’s Education instruction to other students on May 21. The alleged victim was the last student of the day.