Sixty-one-year-old William George Tillman spent 22 years in a classroom before he retired as a teacher from Buncombe County last year. Now he's spending time behind bars. He's accused of sexual assault and sexual exploitation of three girls all under age 10.
Tillman was arrested Monday night after police began investigating a call they received this weekend from the Henderson County Department of Social Services. They said the crimes happened at Tillmans' home at 409 Jordan Street.
"It's kind of frightening and you want to make sure someone in that position is watching out for your children," said Captain David Adams with the Hendersonville Police Department.
Adams said no former students or family members are involved. He said the girls' caregiver is a friend of Tillmans' who brought them to his home to visit. He said the acts may have been going on for at least the last year. When police arrived at Tillman's home to execute the search warrant, Adams said, "He was kind of surprised. He was calm and cooperative." He said they seized electronic equipment and adult erotic paraphernalia from the home.
The search warrant details some disturbing information. It said one child told investigators Tillman took nude pictures of them and made them watch movies while playing we sex toys. The warrant alleges he would even pay the girls to pose and do sex acts.
"You hear of a teacher, or a retired teacher in this case, and you just think 'Wow'," said neighbor Chris May.
May said he has lived next to Tillman for more than two decades. He said he was "shocked" to hear of the arrest and described Tillman as "very friendly".
Investigators are just relieved calls that came in to DSS may put an end to anymore possible crimes against the girls involved in this case.
"If you think something is going on call and at least we will check it out," said Adams.
Tillman was an 8th grade science teacher at Valley Springs Middle School in Arden. He began his career in 1986. The county school spokesperson had no comment.
Tillman received a secured bond of $150,000. He is being held at the Henderson County Jail.
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