ZEBULON — Police charged a teacher’s assistant at Zebulon Middle School with two counts of taking indecent liberties with a student and two counts of taking indecent liberties with a child last Tuesday morning.

Officers and school officials confronted Travis A. Montague, 21, of 3817 Beagle Drive, Wendell, for the first time last Tuesday after the friend of a 14-year-old female student informed the school’s guidance department of the two separate incidences that occurred between March 23 and March 30.

School system spokesperson Michael Evans said the victim didn’t feel comfortable saying it happened, but it is important to keep those lines open with the kids when they know something. “Fortunately she talked to one of her friends and the friend came forward,” Evans said. “We could then address the issue.” The school guidance department then contacted the Zebulon Police Department, which worked alongside the Wake County Public Schools Security Department to conduct the investigation.

Detectives interviewed Montague April 3 shortly after he resigned from his position at the school. Montague turned himself in to police last Tuesday morning at 10.

Evans said Montague taught a special education one-on-one class, working specifically with one male student. The victim was not under his direct supervision. Evans said the school system is working with the family to do whatever is best for the victim. “Middle school kids need to feel safe, and we’re going to continue on with letting the law enforcement continue its course,” Evans said last Tuesday afternoon.

Zebulon sergeant Bob Grossman said Montague was involved with the sports program at the school. He helped coach the boys basketball team. He said the victim was involved in school athletics and that could be where the two crossed paths.

Grossman advised the victim’s family after Montague had been arrested and charges were filed. It is now a closed case. Montague had been employed by the school system since March 2008 and he had no prior criminal record, according to the police department.

He was released from the Wake County Jail under a $20,000 secured bond.

Montague’s first court appearance took place last Wednesday at 2 p.m.