The NC SBI and the Valdese Police Department announce that a former Burke County teacher has been arrested and charged with disseminating obscene material to a child younger than 13 years old. 63-year-old Michael John Daigler is being held in the Burke County Detention Center until his first appearance.
In November 2025, the Valdese Police Department was notified by parents residing in the Valdese community regarding the alleged dissemination of obscene materials to minors involving a former Burke County Public Schools teacher, identified as Michael Daigler.
Upon receiving this information, the Valdese Police Department contacted the North Carolina Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (NCSBI) and initiated a joint investigation. Burke County Public Schools was also notified and has fully cooperated throughout the investigation.
After an extensive investigation and the execution of a search warrant at his residence located in Burke County, Michael John Daigler (DOB: 06/08/1962) was arrested on the morning of January 6, 2026, at a location in Caldwell County. Daigler was charged with Disseminating Obscene Material to a Minor Under the Age of 16, in violation of North Carolina General Statute 14-190.7.
Daigler was transported to the Burke County Magistrate’s Office for processing and was subsequently placed into the custody of the Burke County Jail under a $500,000 secure bond.
This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information regarding this case is urged to contact the Valdese Police Department at 828-879-2101. Updated information will be released as it becomes available.
Agencies involved in this investigation include:
Valdese Police Department
North Carolina ICAC Task Force
North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
Burke County Sheriff’s Office
Granite Falls Police Department
