Charlotte, North Carolina, January 7, 2026
In recent legal developments in North Carolina, a teacher was arrested for child sex offenses, while an 18-year-old faced federal charges for plotting a terror attack. Michael John Daigler, a Valdese Elementary School teacher, was charged with disseminating obscene material to minors after a lengthy investigation. Simultaneously, Christian Sturdivant is accused of planning a violent attack on New Year’s Eve, targeting local establishments. Both cases underscore the ongoing fight against serious crimes within the community.
Charlotte, North Carolina
In a series of significant legal developments across North Carolina, an elementary school teacher in Burke County was arrested and charged with child sex offenses, while an 18-year-old Mint Hill resident accused of plotting a New Year’s Eve terror attack faced a critical detention hearing in federal court. Both cases highlight ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address serious criminal activities within the community.
Elementary School Teacher Arrested in Burke County
A Valdese Elementary School teacher, Michael John Daigler, 63, was arrested on January 6, 2026, and charged with disseminating obscene material to a child younger than 13 years old. The arrest followed a monthslong investigation conducted by the Valdese Police Department and the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Daigler was suspended by Burke County Public Schools in November 2025 after the investigation began.
The investigation was initiated in November 2025 when parents in the Valdese community reported alleged dissemination of obscene materials to minors involving Daigler. Court documents indicate that a mother reported concerns after her 13-year-old son interacted with Daigler on Snapchat, with Daigler reportedly believing the son was 15 years old. Authorities state that Daigler later confessed to police about communicating with approximately 50 children or teenagers to obtain child sexual abuse material. Following the investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his home, Daigler was taken into custody.
Burke County Public Schools officials have stated that their internal investigation found the alleged victims were not Daigler’s students, and the incidents did not occur on school grounds. Daigler had been employed as a teacher with Burke County Public Schools since March 2015, serving for the past decade. He is currently being held on a $500,000 bond. The Superintendent has recommended Daigler’s termination, with the decision expected to be brought before the Burke County Board of Education at its next regular meeting on January 26, 2026. Daigler was expected to appear in court again on January 7, 2026.
Detention Hearing for Alleged Terror Plotter in Federal Court
In Charlotte, an 18-year-old Mint Hill man, Christian Sturdivant, appeared in federal court on January 7, 2026, for a detention hearing. Sturdivant is accused of attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically ISIS, in connection with an alleged New Year’s Eve terror plot. The hearing was to determine whether he would remain in custody as his case proceeds.
Investigators allege that Sturdivant had been planning a violent attack for nearly a year, targeting a grocery store and a fast food restaurant in Mint Hill on New Year’s Eve 2025. He allegedly intended to use knives and hammers in the attack. Court documents indicate that Sturdivant’s plans included targeting “Jews, Christians and LGBTQ individuals.” He also allegedly intended to die as a “martyr” by attacking responding police officers.
The investigation into Sturdivant began after he reportedly reached out on social media to accounts he believed were connected to ISIS. These accounts were, in fact, operated by undercover officers with the New York Police Department and the FBI. Sturdivant was under constant FBI surveillance in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve. During a search of his home, agents reportedly found handwritten notes titled “New Years Attack 2026,” along with a list of potential targets, tactical gloves, a vest, and the alleged weapons (knives and hammers) hidden under his bed.
Sturdivant was arrested on New Year’s Eve 2025 as he was being released from a local medical facility. This arrest occurred after the FBI’s attempt to have him involuntarily committed for medical attention was denied by a state magistrate judge days prior to his apprehension. Sturdivant made his first court appearance in federal court on January 2, 2026, where a judge ordered that he remain in jail. If convicted, he faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Authorities believe Sturdivant was working alone in planning the attack.
This is not the first time Sturdivant has been on law enforcement’s radar; he first came to the FBI’s attention in January 2022, at the age of 14, after he allegedly communicated with an ISIS member who advised him on a plan to attack people with a hammer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What are the primary charges against Michael John Daigler?
- Michael John Daigler is charged with disseminating obscene material to a child younger than 13 years old.
- What school did Michael John Daigler teach at?
- Michael John Daigler was a teacher at Valdese Elementary School.
- When was Michael John Daigler arrested?
- Michael John Daigler was arrested on January 6, 2026.
- What are the charges against Christian Sturdivant?
- Christian Sturdivant is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, specifically ISIS.
- What was Christian Sturdivant accused of planning?
- Christian Sturdivant was accused of planning a mass stabbing at a grocery store and a fast food restaurant in Mint Hill on New Year’s Eve 2025.
- When was Christian Sturdivant’s detention hearing?
- Christian Sturdivant’s detention hearing was scheduled for January 7, 2026.
- What is the potential maximum sentence for Christian Sturdivant if convicted?
- If convicted, Christian Sturdivant faces a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
Key Details of Recent Legal Cases
| Event | Individual(s) Involved | Location | Primary Charges / Allegations | Key Dates | Current Status | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Teacher Arrest | Michael John Daigler (63) | Burke County, North Carolina | Disseminating obscene material to a child younger than 13 years old. | Arrested: January 6, 2026. Next Court: January 7, 2026. | Held on $500,000 bond. Termination recommended. | State-level |
| Alleged Terror Plot Detention Hearing | Christian Sturdivant (18) | Mint Hill, North Carolina / Federal Court in Charlotte | Attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization (ISIS). Planning mass stabbing. | First Court: January 2, 2026. Detention Hearing: January 7, 2026. | Remains in federal custody. Potential max 20 years in prison if convicted. | Nationwide (Federal charges) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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