MOORESVILLE, N.C. (AP) — A former Iredell County teacher has been accused of inappropriately touching children several decades ago.

Deputies say 65-year-old John Thomas Patterson was arrested several weeks ago and charged with inappropriately touching several students at Mount Mourne Elementary School when he taught there in the 1980s.

Patterson also faces dozens of counts of taking indecent liberties with children, as well as one charge of first-degree sex offense.

Deputies say more than a dozen alleged victims have come forward and accused Patterson of fondling and inappropriately touching them.

Deputies searched Patterson's home Friday. Patterson has been released on bond, and it wasn't known if he had an attorney. He resigned from Mount Mourne in 1987.