How Could You? Hall of Shame-Paul Nelson Locklear

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

A 2024 case has seen the light.

From Pembroke, North Carolina, “a former principal, current teacher and foster parent [Paul Nelson Locklear] was charged with more than a dozen child sex offenses.”

“An investigation started in August after a juvenile who was placed in the suspect’s foster care ran away from the home and contacted Robeson County deputies. Information received led to allegations of unlawful sexual activity, and the discovery of additional victims and allegations dating back to 2022.

On Saturday, deputies announced that Paul Nelson Locklear, 53, of Pembroke was arrested and charged with the following:

• Sexual activity by a substitute parent
• Attempted sexual activity by a substitute parent
• Child abuse sexual act
• 3 counts of indecent liberties with a minor
• 9 counts of crimes against nature
• 4 counts of misdemeanor sexual battery

Locklear was booked into the Robeson County Detention Center under a $2 million bond.

The Robeson County District Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Columbus County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation. Anyone with information about the case(s) is asked to contact the Robeson County authorities at (910) 671-3170.”
Former principal, foster parent charged with 19 child sex offenses, deputies say
[WYFF4 12/21/24 by Zach Rainey]

“Locklear’s attorney, Luther Johnson Britt, III, has filed a motion for a bond modification saying his client is not a flight risk or a danger to the community.

The filing also says Locklear has no prior criminal record and maintains his innocence.

A portion of the bond modification letter reads:

The Defendant suffers from multiple cardiac conditions to include high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation and is prescribed multiple medications by his cardiologist for his conditions. As part of his medical plan the Defendant is prescribed medicines that are to be administered daily. His prescription to control his atrial fibrillation must be given each day to control his condition so that his heart doesn’t beat uncontrollably. He does not receive those medicines as prescribed and has experienced chest pains and dizziness without the medications being given as prescribed. The Defendant is in safe keeping and was initially housed at the Bladen County Jail until he was transferred last week to the Columbus County Jail, and he is health risk to the facilities that house him. The Robeson County Detention Center arranged safe keeping orders and is responsible for transporting the Defendant to his scheduled medical appointments and are financially responsible for his medical care while in custody and that includes his medications. The purpose of bond is to secure an individual’s appearance in court, not to incarcerate an individual unfairly.
Britt is asking the court to reduce Locklear’s bond to an amount no greater than $250,000 secured, and, as an additional condition, place Locklear on electronic monitoring with the Robeson County Pretrial Program with any other conditions the Court deems appropriate.

It’s not clear at this time if the judge has made a decision regarding Locklear’s request for a lower bond.”
Former Robeson Co. principal jailed on sexual assault charges asks for lower bond

[WPDE 2/25/25 by Tonya Brown]

A search of the Robeson County, North Carolina Court Records show that the last hearing on this case was on 10/7/25. The case is still pending. He has been assigned a new public defender. He apparently did not receive a lower bond.

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