Teacher Kept Student's Fingernail Clippings, Photo In His Wallet

NEWTON, NC -- The student at Fred T. Foard High School who accused one of his teachers of stalking him says the teacher followed him, texted him and gave him inappropriate gifts.

The male student, who is 17, is accusing John Michael Donadio, 58, of stalking him. Donadio is an occupational teacher at the high school. According to the criminal complaint, the student claims Donadio kept the student's fingernail clippings in his wallet behind a photo of the student. The student also alleges Donadio gave him unwanted presents, such as underwear.

The criminal complaint goes on to state that Donadio visits the student where he works and has followed him on streets trying to get him to pull over. The student also alleges Donadio said he loves the student, and has called and texted him many times. The student said he's afraid.

"I'm afraid of this man and don't want him around me because I'm afraid of what he might do to me," the student said on the criminal complaint form.

The student's family took out the warrant Tuesday evening and Donadio was arrested Wednesday morning on one count of misdemeanor stalking, said Chief Deputy Coy Reid with the Catawba County Sheriff's Office. Reid said the sheriff's office is investigating the charge.

Reid said he was unaware in his career in law enforcement of a similar situation of a teacher being accused of stalking a student.

When Catawba County Schools learned of the complaint Tuesday evening, they suspended Donadio from teaching with pay, said Carleen Crawford, public information officer for the school system. The school system is also conducting its own investigation into the matter.

A letter was sent home to all the students at Foard High School from the principal, Sally Bradshaw, acknowledging that charges were brought against one of the teachers. However, it doesn't mention which teacher it is.

The letter sent home to Donadio's students is slightly different than the other letters to students, Crawford said, because it says the substitute assuming his position is highly qualified to provide instruction.

Bradshaw also encourages any parents with questions or concerns to call her.

Crawford could not comment if there have been any prior problems with Donadio, citing personnel confidentiality.

Donadio teaches occupational life skills science, occupational math and occupational government/U.S. history. Donadio also works with developmentally disabled adults. He's been a teacher for 27 years, nine of those with Catawba County Schools. He's married and has three sons.