Irmo Police: Teacher arrest for sexual battery, principal arrested for failure to report it
IRMO, S.C. (WOLO)– Irmo Police officers have arrested the Green Charter School of the Midlands principal and a teacher, say police.
Officers say 32-year-old Sulaymaan Benoit was charged with 8 counts of criminal sexual conduct 3rd degree.
And 41-year-old Tina Shaw was charged with failure to report child abuse and 2 counts of assault & battery 2nd degree.
Benoit who is the after school director and a substitute teacher is accused of fondling 3 students, ages ranging from 7 to 12 years old.
Shaw who is the principal at Green Charter School of the Midlands is accused of failing to report child abuse in connection with the charges pending against Benoit and 2 counts of assault & battery 2nd degree in connection with improper searches conducted on two students.
“You have not one, but two employees who made this school unsafe and did not protect their students. Mandated Reports are just that, MANDATED. Telling your human resources department does not absolve you of this duty. Law Enforcement and Department of Social Services must be made aware if you suspect abuse or neglect and that did not happen here. A parent notified this agency after the principal was informed of the allegations against Mr. Benoit,” says Chief Robert Dale.
Investigators say Benoit has been employed by the school for 2 years and they believe there are more victims out there.
The police department is asking any current or former students and employees that know anything to contact Irmo Police Department’s Investigations Division at 803-781-8088.
Benoit and Shaw were arrested early Wednesday morning, Feb. 26, with the assistance of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division – SLED.
Both were transported to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center to await their bond hearings.
“Schools are the place our children should be safe and protected, not preyed upon” states Chief Dale.
