News Summary
The peaceful community of Irmo, South Carolina is in disbelief after the arrest of principal Tina Shaw and afterschool instructor Sulaymaan Benoit at Green Charter School of the Midlands. Benoit faces serious allegations of conducting sexual abuse against students, while Shaw has been charged with failing to report the abuse. The legal actions taken against them have raised serious community concerns regarding the safety of children in schools.
Shocking Arrests at Green Charter School of the Midlands in Irmo
In a disturbing turn of events, the peaceful community of Irmo, South Carolina, has been shaken by the shocking arrest of a principal and a teacher from the Green Charter School of the Midlands. The arrests were made on February 26, 2025, unveiling a dark chapter in the school’s history that has left parents and students fuming with disbelief.
Who are the Arrested Individuals?
The first individual, Sulaymaan Benoit, 32, was an afterschool instructor and substitute teacher at the school. He is facing serious allegations, including eight counts of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. Reports suggest that Benoit has been accused of fondling three students, all aged between seven and twelve. This shocking revelation came to police attention when a concerned parent stepped forward in January, reporting suspected abuse.
On the other hand, Tina Shaw, the school’s principal aged 41, has been charged with failure to report child abuse and two counts of second-degree assault and battery. Allegations surfaced suggesting that she was aware of the inappropriate conduct exhibited by Benoit but failed to report it to law enforcement. Instead, she allegedly only notified a supervisor of the situation. This has raised serious questions about her responsibilities as a mandated reporter in such cases.
Background and Investigation
Benoit had been part of the Green Charter School community for two years, and concerns have arisen regarding the possibility of him having more victims. The police investigation commenced after the principal became informed of the allegations made against him. The investigative efforts were further intensified by the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, together with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
As the investigation unfolded, it revealed alarming details about Shaw’s actions. Some of these actions include improper searches of two students that occurred back in October 2024, which are separate from the current accusations against Benoit. It’s shocking to think that those entrusted with our children’s safety could be involved in such disturbing behavior!
Legal Actions and Community Concern
Following their arrests, Benoit was given a cash bond of $75,000 with conditions preventing him from having any contact with the victims or other minors. Meanwhile, Shaw was granted a personal recognizance bond of $50,000, with similar restrictions in place. It seems absurd that individuals who have betrayed the trust of the community are still afforded such options!
The local police, led by Chief Bobby Dale, have expressed visible concern regarding school safety and the welfare of children in the community. Continued outreach is now being made to current and former students and employees of the school, urging them to come forward with any further information that could be helpful in this horrendous situation.
A Call for Awareness and Safety
In light of these events, Chief Dale emphasized the importance of open communication between parents and their children. Building trust is crucial for children to share any experiences of abuse they may encounter. It’s a good reminder for all parents to foster an environment where kids feel free to speak up without fear.
The community of Irmo has been rocked to its core by these grim revelations. As more information surfaces and the investigation continues, the hope is that schools can become a safe haven once again for children, free from the shadows of abuse and misconduct. The incidents at Green Charter School serve as a powerful reminder that we all need to be vigilant and protective of our youth.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Fits News
- Google Search: Irmo South Carolina school district news
- WLTX
- Google Scholar: Teacher Abuse
- ABC Columbia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
- ABC News 4
- Google News: Irmo Green Charter School
Author: STAFF HERE IRMO
The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
