FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Authorities have charged a former Cumberland County middle school principal of sexually assaulting three students, including one instance while a victim's parent sat in a waiting area.

The sheriff's office said 49-year-old David Ellis Edwards is charged with two counts of second-degree forcible sex offense, two counts of sexual acts with a student and five counts of taking indecent liberties with a minor.

A statement from the sheriff's office said the victims alleged that between 2009 and 2011, they were touched inappropriately or were forced to participate in sexual acts with Edwards. All three victims were males, and investigators said the assaults occurred at Ramsey Street Alternative and Douglas Byrd Middle schools.

Edwards was arrested Friday. He's free on a $140,000 bond. It's not known if he has an attorney.