News Summary
The Green Charter School in Irmo, SC, is reeling from the recent arrests of Principal Tina Shaw and After-School Director Sulaymaan Benoit on charges of child sexual abuse. Benoit faces multiple counts related to the alleged abuse of students aged 7 to 12. Principal Shaw, who was aware of the allegations but failed to report them to police, also faces legal action. The community is in distress as investigations continue, and support services are provided to affected students and staff.
Shocking Arrests at Green Charter School in Irmo, SC
In a harrowing turn of events, officials at Green Charter School of the Midlands in Irmo, South Carolina are facing serious legal troubles. The school principal, Tina Shaw, 41, and an after-school director and substitute teacher, Sulaymaan Benoit, 32, have both been arrested and charged in connection with disturbing allegations of child sexual abuse.
Allegations of Abuse
The situation unfolded when Benoit was apprehended on charges of eight counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. He stands accused of fondling three students, all aged between 7 to 12 years old. These shocking allegations prompted immediate action from school officials as the safety of students became paramount.
Curiously enough, reports indicate that Shaw was made aware of the situation on January 30, 2025, during a meeting with a family of one of the alleged victims. The family had reported the concerns to the Irmo Police prior to their meeting with Shaw. Looking to address the issue swiftly, the principal suspended Benoit on the same day, and he later found himself terminated from the school.
Failure to Report
Despite taking those initial steps, Shaw’s actions didn’t meet the legal requirement for mandated reporting of child abuse. It is asserted that she failed to directly report the allegations to law enforcement herself, a crucial step in such serious cases. Due to this oversight, Shaw now faces charges of failure to report child abuse and two counts of second-degree assault and battery for conducting two improper searches of students, both part of a separate investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Consequences
Both Shaw and Benoit were arrested on February 26, 2025, by the Irmo Police Department, and the response from the community has been one of shock and distress. Shaw posted a $50,000 surety bond shortly after her arrest, while Benoit’s bond was set at $75,000, which he has yet to post. To further complicate matters, Benoit has been placed on administrative leave from the school pending the outcomes of the investigation.
Ongoing Investigations and Support for Victims
The investigation, led by the Irmo Police, has revealed that Benoit’s alleged abusive behavior may have been ongoing since at least October 2024. With more reports surfacing from other children claiming they might also be victims, Police Chief Bobby Dale has stressed the importance of mandated reporting and has encouraged anyone who may have additional information or who feels they might be a victim to step forward.
Addressing the trauma these events have caused, the school board has announced plans for a third-party investigation to review all elements of this unsettling scenario. In the meantime, counseling and psychological support services have been extended to both students and staff at Green Charter School to help them navigate the emotional fallout of the events.
A Community in Crisis
The Green Charter School community is currently facing a palpable sense of crisis; parents, faculty, and students alike are left grappling with the implications of such serious allegations against trusted figures. Calls for transparency and accountability are echoing throughout Irmo as those directly affected await answers. The hope is that the investigations will provide much-needed clarity and possibly justice for the victims of these foul allegations.
While the fallout continues to develop, the priority remains firmly on the safety and well-being of all students at Green Charter School, and the community stands vigilant as more information emerges.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Fits News
- Google Search: Irmo Charter School News
- WLTX
- Google Scholar: Child Abuse Reporting
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Abuse
- ABC Columbia
- Google News: Irmo Charter School Teacher Arrest
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.
