Raleigh dance instructor linked to sex crimes at studios throughout NC arrested

A woman linked to numerous dance studios across the state, including one in Raleigh, was arrested in Raleigh for charges of indecent liberties with a minor.

A New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office investigation connected Elissa Susan Edwards to allegations of misconduct with students from several dance studios across North Carolina.

Edwards worked as a dance instructor at CC & Co. Dance Complex in Raleigh. Following the arrest, the company notified families Edwards is no longer an employee there.

Edwards, 41, was taken into custody on Thursday in Raleigh and transported to the New Hanover County Detention Center with no bond.

A CC & Co. spokesperson provided WRAL News with a statement on the matter.

The safety of our dancers and their families is of the utmost importance to CC & Co Dance Complex. That’s why we thoroughly vet all employees, include conducting criminal background checks.

Thursday we learned about the arrest of our former employee, Elissa Edwards. We have not been contacted by law enforcement, but if we are, we will fully cooperate with authorities.

Edwards is the second CC & Co. employee to be accused of child sex crimes this summer. In June, Wake County Deputies charged 33-year-old Justin McKoy with multiple counts of child sex abuse. In that case, warrants indicated McKoy did not know the children from his work with the dance company.

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with additional information or who may have been a victim to come forward. Victims and witnesses can contact Det. Starnes at 910-798-4287.