News Summary
Two employees of Green Charter School in Irmo, South Carolina, have been arrested amid serious child abuse allegations. After-school director Sulaymaan Benoit faces multiple charges for fondling students aged 7 to 12, while principal Tina Shaw is accused of failing to report the abuse and conducting improper searches. Concerned parents and law enforcement are emphasizing the importance of child safety within the community.
Irmo, South Carolina: Teacher and Principal Arrested for Child Abuse
Two employees of Green Charter School of the Midlands in Irmo, South Carolina, have been arrested on serious charges related to child abuse. Sulaymaan Benoit, 32, who served as the after-school director and substitute teacher, faces eight counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct after being accused of fondling three students aged between 7 and 12 years old on school grounds. Meanwhile, Tina Shaw, 41, the principal of the school, is charged with failing to report the abuse, along with two counts of second-degree assault and battery for improperly searching two students.
The allegations against Benoit and Shaw first came to light in January 2025 after a concerned parent reported the incidents to the Irmo Police Department. Investigations revealed that the abuse may have spanned at least from October of the previous year. Benoit has worked at the school for two years, while Shaw has been responsible for overseeing its operations during that time.
Both individuals were arrested early on February 26, 2025. Benoit was granted a cash bond of $75,000, which comes with conditions that include no contact with the alleged victims and mandatory GPS monitoring. Shaw received a personal recognizance bond set at $50,000, which allows her to return to her position at the school.
Irmo Police Chief Robert Dale has expressed concerns over the incidents, emphasizing that schools should be safe environments for children. He criticized both Benoit and Shaw for their failure to protect the students under their care. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe there may be more victims who have not yet come forward. On the same day as the bond hearing, two additional children reported being victims of Benoit.
Parents are being encouraged to engage with their children and establish a trusting relationship, making it easier for kids to share their experiences and report inappropriate behavior. The school community is urged to assist law enforcement by providing any information that could further the investigation.
Details of Charges Against Benoit
Benoit’s charges include multiple counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, which implies intentional sexual contact with a victim under the age of 16. The nature of his employment in a direct teaching role puts him in a position of authority, which exacerbates the severity of the allegations. The victims, aged 7 to 12, are particularly vulnerable, raising significant concerns regarding the safety and well-being of children within the educational setting.
Failure to Report by Shaw
Shaw’s charges center on her failure to act on allegations of abuse she was made aware of. Even though she reportedly informed her supervisor about the situation, the failure to notify law enforcement as legally required constitutes a breach of her responsibility as an educator and administrator. In addition to the charges for neglecting to report the abuse, Shaw also faces accusations concerning unwarranted searches of two students, which has led to two counts of second-degree assault and battery against her.
Community Response and Aftermath
The community’s reaction to the news of these arrests has been one of shock and concern. Parents and guardians are now more vigilant, demanding transparency and accountability from school staff. The incidents have raised crucial conversations around child safety in schools and the importance of protocols being in place to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement agencies are committed to ensuring the safety of all students and are actively pursuing leads to uncover any additional victims of Benoit. The police have asked that anyone with relevant information reach out to them to assist in their efforts.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- ABC News 4
- ABC Columbia
- WLTX
- The State
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Google Search: Child Abuse
- Google Scholar: Child Abuse Case Study
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Google News: Irmo South Carolina Teacher Arrested
