News Summary
Residents of Irmo are grappling with shocking news as the principal and an after-school director of Green Charter School have been arrested on serious charges. The after-school director faces multiple counts of sexual misconduct involving students, while the principal is charged with neglecting to report these issues. The case has raised urgent questions about child safety in schools, prompting a wave of concern among parents and community leaders alike.
Shock in Irmo: Principal and Teacher Arrested for Disturbing Crimes
Residents of Irmo are reeling after shocking news broke regarding serious allegations at a local charter school. The principal and an after-school director have been arrested, and the details of the case are raising eyebrows and creating waves of concern among parents in the community.
String of Disturbing Charges
Sulaymaan Benoit, a 32-year-old after-school director and substitute teacher at Green Charter School of the Midlands, is facing a total of eight counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. The allegations are nothing short of appalling: Benoit is accused of fondling three students aged between 7 and 12 years old.
Meanwhile, Tina Shaw, the 41-year-old principal of the same school, has been charged with failure to report child abuse. She is also facing two counts of second-degree assault and battery. Shaw is alleged to have neglected her responsibility as a mandated reporter by failing to alert law enforcement about the concerning allegations against Benoit, instead only informing her supervisor about the situation.
The Timeline of Allegations
The disturbing reports began to surface when a concerned parent reached out to the Irmo Police on January 30, 2025. An investigation swiftly followed and it is believed that Benoit’s alleged misconduct may have been happening for quite some time, potentially starting as early as August 2024. This timeline raises alarm bells and leaves many wondering how such serious problems could go unnoticed for so long.
Improper Searches and Additional Charges
Community Reaction and Further Investigations
With Benoit having worked at Green Charter School for two years, many are fearing whether there may be additional victims. Law enforcement officials have encouraged former and current students, as well as employees, to come forward if they have any relevant information. Community leaders are emphasizing the importance of ensuring children feel safe and secure in educational environments.
Law Enforcement Response
Both Benoit and Shaw were taken into custody early on February 26, 2025, with the assistance of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Once arrested, they were brought to Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center where they await bond hearings.
Benoit’s bail has been set at $75,000, with strict conditions that prevent him from contacting the victims and restrict him from going near their homes, schools, and places of worship. Shaw has been granted a $50,000 personal recognizance bond, also under similar conditions, but surprising many, she is permitted to return to her position at the school.
What Comes Next?
On the same day as their arrests, bond hearings took place where two additional potential victims bravely came forward, indicating that the situation may be more serious than initially presumed.
Green Charter School has stated that they will be closely monitoring the situation and will provide further updates as required. The case has opened a wider discussion about the safety of students in schools and the critical responsibility of mandated reporters—those who are required to report any suspicion of abuse. Everyone from parents to educators is holding their breath and waiting to see how this deeply troubling situation unfolds.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
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.
