A Salem City Schools physical education teacher was placed on administrative leave in March after he was arrested on two counts of obscene sexual display. The arrest, which occurred March 13, became public last week.
According to the Roanoke Police Department, officers responded to Vic Thomas Park at approximately 3:58 p.m. on March 13 after an adult woman reported that a man had exposed himself to her twice while she was walking in the park.
When officers arrived, they found a man inside a vehicle with a towel wrapped around his lower body. He was taken into custody at the scene.
Police identified the man as 56-year-old John Kelso Fedison of Salem. He was charged with two counts of obscene sexual display.
According to school staff directories, Fedison is listed as a physical education teacher at both West Salem Elementary and South Salem Elementary School.
Hannah Glasgow, crime prevention specialist with the Roanoke Police Department, said Salem City Schools officials were notified of the arrest immediately.
Mike Stevens, communications director for the city and the school division, confirmed Fedison was placed on administrative leave the same day the charge was reported.
“The Salem City School Division was made aware of the charge against Mr. Fedison on March 13, 2025, by Roanoke City Police,” Stevens said. “Per school policy, Mr. Fedison was immediately placed on administrative leave, and he has not returned to teach or coach in Salem City Schools since he was charged. Because this is a personnel matter, we cannot elaborate further.”
