Teacher Charged for Not Reporting Suspected Abuse

A teacher has been charged with failure to report suspected abuse to authorities.

Prince William County police reports said that two students allegedly approached the teacher individually following a presentation at school called “Hugs and Kisses.”

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The program is put on by Prevent Child Abuse Virginia to teach elementary school children how to keep safe from or report sexual abuse. The play is produced in partnership with Theatre IV and the Virginia Department of Social Services. 

Police said the alleged abuse had been brought to the teacher’s attention on March 30. The teacher failed to report the alleged offenses to Child Protective Services or school authorities until April 12, police said.

The charge of failure to report suspected abuse to authorities is a civil offense.

“The allegations brought forth by the students are not in reference to the same incident or suspect and are both currently being investigated by the Special Victim’s Unit with the police department,” said Prince William County Police Public Information Officer Jonathan Perok.  

In Virginia, teachers, in their official capacity, are required to immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect to the proper authorities within 72 hours, said Perok. 

The teacher was released on a summons, with a court date set for May 31. 

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