News Summary
The Irmo community is reeling after the arrest of two officials from Green Charter School of the Midlands, facing serious allegations of child abuse. After school director Sulaymaan Benoit was charged with multiple counts of sexual misconduct involving students, principal Tina Shaw faces allegations for failing to report the incidents. As investigations unfold, concerns grow about the safety of students and the future of the school.
Shocking Arrests at South Carolina Charter School
In a stunning turn of events, the community of Irmo, South Carolina, is grappling with the alarming arrests of two school officials at the Green Charter School of the Midlands. Sulaymaan Benoit, 32, the afterschool director and substitute teacher, and principal Tina Shaw, 41, were taken into custody on the morning of February 26, 2025, on serious charges tied to child abuse allegations.
Disturbing Allegations Surface
Benoit faces some serious accusations, with eight counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Reports claim he inappropriately fondled three students aged between 7 and 12 years old while they were on school premises. These dreadful acts are said to have started as early as August 2024, with allegations surfacing to authorities in January 2025.
The investigation kicked off after a concerned parent reported the disturbing allegations to the Irmo Police Department on January 30, 2025. This swift action initiated a detailed inquiry that would uncover shocking revelations about the school’s environment.
Principal Under Investigation
His accomplice, Principal Shaw, faces her own set of troubling charges—failure to report child abuse, along with two counts of second-degree assault and battery. The charges against her link directly to Benoit’s pending child abuse case, as well as improper searches that allegedly took place involving two students. Evidence collected during the investigation suggests that she was aware of the troubling incidents but failed to alert law enforcement.
According to the findings, Shaw did inform her supervisor about the allegations involving Benoit but neglected to report it to the authorities, which is a legal requirement for mandated reporters like her. The Irmo Police Chief has emphasized that protecting the children should be the top priority, highlighting the significant responsibility that educators have in ensuring the safety of their students.
Investigation Unfolds
As the investigation continued, police unearthed more concerning details, including two illegal searches carried out by Shaw on students. This revelation further complicates the situation and indicates a potential pattern of misconduct. Police investigators suspect that there may be more victims who have yet to come forward, prompting them to reach out to former students and employees for any information that could aid the case.
Legal Proceedings Begin
Benoit and Shaw have been booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center as they await their bond hearings. Benoit was granted a bond of $75,000 with specific restrictions, including no contact with the victims involved and GPS monitoring to track his location. Shaw, on the other hand, received a $50,000 personal recognizance bond, also under similar restrictions.
School’s Future in Jeopardy
As authorities delve deeper into these troubling allegations, the charter school itself is conducting its own investigation to determine if any laws or charter regulations were violated. The well-being of students and the integrity of the school are now hanging in the balance, casting a shadow over the facility’s reputation.
Community on Alert
The community of Irmo is understandably shaken by these arrests, as parents and guardians look for answers and assurance that their children are safe. With the ongoing investigation, many are left wondering how these incidents could have happened in the first place and what measures can be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As this unsettling story unfolds, it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the welfare of our children and ensuring that those entrusted with their care fulfill their responsibilities. Community members are encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior to local authorities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Devastating News Shakes Irmo Community Over Teacher and Principal Arrests
Shocking Arrests at Green Charter School of the Midlands
Shocking Arrests Rock Irmo Charter School
Columbia Residents React to Disturbing Abuse Charges
Shocking Arrests at Green Charter School of the Midlands
Columbia, South Carolina Braces for Wintry Weather
Ascent Classical Academy in Irmo Delays Opening Until 2025-26
Gray Collegiate Academy Expands with New Campus in Irmo
Gray Collegiate Academy to Open New Campus in Irmo
Irmo Welcomes New Branch of Gray Collegiate Academy
Additional Resources
- WIS TV News
- WLTX News
- ABC Columbia News
- The State
- FITS News
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Google Search: Child Abuse News
- Google Scholar: Child Abuse Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Google News: Irmo Charter School 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.
