In a troubling case from North Carolina, an elementary school principal faces serious charges after allegedly misleading law enforcement during a probe into a disturbing incident involving a young student. The principal, Tounya Wright, age 60, was recently indicted on multiple counts of obstructing justice and perjury, stemming from an investigation into an incident at Eno Valley Elementary School in Durham.

The investigation was sparked by photos that surfaced in November 2024, showing a 6-year-old girl with autism tied to a chair with a jump rope. These images were reportedly sent to Wright, who is accused of providing false information to authorities regarding their origin. Initially, Wright claimed the photos were anonymously delivered by being slipped under a door. However, this assertion was later disproven, as authorities uncovered a different narrative.

According to an investigative warrant, the photos were actually taken by a janitor who discreetly captured the images and passed them to a school secretary. The secretary then shared them with Wright via text. Furthermore, it was revealed that Wright had received the photos earlier than she had claimed—an important detail, as North Carolina law mandates immediate notification of law enforcement in cases of suspected child abuse.

This case also implicated two teacher’s aides, who resigned in December 2024. One of them faced arrest on charges of child abuse and other offenses. However, further investigation, including testimony from the janitor, suggested that the arrested aide was not present at the school on the day the photos were taken. This revelation cast doubt on the charges, leading to the eventual dismissal of the case by prosecutors in November.

The actions of the principal and the subsequent legal proceedings underscore the serious nature of ensuring accurate and truthful communication with law enforcement in matters concerning child safety. This situation serves as a reminder of the responsibilities held by school administrators in safeguarding their students and maintaining trust within their communities.

The indictment says Wright’s actions were “done with deceit and intent to defraud, and in secrecy and malice.”

“In summary, Principal Wright’s credibility is undermined by her shifting explanations regarding how she received the incriminating photo of the victim, the timing and method of her reporting the incident to Human Resources and law enforcement, and her knowledge of the source of the photo,” police wrote in the warrant. “Her accounts conflict not only with each other but also with testimony and documentation from other witnesses, particularly regarding the chain of custody for the photo and the identity of the initial reporter.”

Two other administrators, Tanya Janique Giovanni, a deputy superintendent, and Ayesha Hunter, senior executive director of employee relations, also were indicted on obstruction charges.

Wright resigned as principal, local NBC affiliate WRAL reported. She has a court date set for Feb. 5.