Shocking Arrests at Green Charter School in Irmo, SC

Parents and children expressing concern outside Green Charter School

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.