Leetwain Darrell Tate: Charlotte School Bus Driver, Known as "Ms Sharon" Charged with Sex Crimes Involving Minors, Police Fear More Victims

A local school bus driver in Charlotte, North Carolina has been arrested and charged with a series of sex crimes against teenage boys. 

Leetwain Darrell Tate, 48, who also goes by the names “Sharon” or “Ms. Sharon,” was taken into custody on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by CMPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team. 

He now faces a slew of serious charges, including two counts of statutory rape and six counts of indecent liberties with a minor. 

An additional charge of statutory sex offense was also filed.

The investigation, which is handled by CMPD’s Crimes Against Children (CAC) Unit, began in mid-September, 2025.

According to arrest affidavits, Tate is accused of luring at least four boys to his residence to sexually assault them. 

Police confirmed that the victims were between the ages of 14 to 15, and one of the victims told investigators that Tate offered him money in return for sex

They also confirmed that the alleged incidents did not occur on school property or while Tate was operating his school bus.

The children were also reportedly staying at his house, raising serious questions about the nature of their relationships with the bus driver.

Tate was employed as a bus driver for the Sugar Creek Charter School. As the investigation unfolded, the school suspended him and then officially terminated his employment on September 29, 2025, one day before his arrest.

In a statement, police emphasized that the alleged crimes were not connected to his official duties. 

“Preliminary information indicates that these incidents did not occur on school property or while Tate was operating a school bus,” a CMPD news release stated.

Following his arrest, Tate was transported to the Mecklenburg County Jail, where he is being held on a $1 million bond.

Neighbors expressed their alarm, highlighting the vulnerability of the teens involved, as per New York Post. 

“It’s pretty disturbing that it is so close to home and you are just shocked,” neighbor Tony Sanders told local media. 

“To me it’s a shame. Fourteen, 15 years old can be so impressionable at that age. To think someone would take advantage of that is very alarming,” they added. 

While Tate’s family has insisted on his innocence, the police investigation continues to move forward.

Authorities are deeply concerned that there may be more victims who have not yet been identified. Detectives with the CMPD’s CAC Unit believe there could be more victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone who may have been a victim regardless of the date of the incident is urged to contact Detective King at 704-336-7495. To submit tips anonymously to Crime Stoppers, contact 704-334-1600.

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