Shocking Arrests at Irmo Charter School Stir Community Concerns

A school playground illustrating community vigilance and support.

News Summary

The Irmo community is reeling after the arrests of an after-school director and principal at Green Charter School, linked to allegations of child abuse. Educator Sulaymaan Benoit faces multiple charges, while principal Tina Shaw is implicated for failing to report the incidents. The investigation reveals a disturbing timeline of potential abuse, raising serious questions about school safety protocols.

Shocking Arrests at Irmo Charter School Stir Community Concerns

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the city of Irmo has found itself reeling from the recent arrests of two educators connected to a scandal involving child abuse. This distressing news unfolded as Sulaymaan Benoit, 32, who served as an after-school director and substitute teacher at Green Charter School of the Midlands, was taken into custody. Reports reveal that he is facing a staggering eight counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct against three students aged between 7 and 12 years old.

Further complicating this already troubling situation, Tina Shaw, 41, the principal of the school, has also been arrested. She has been charged with failure to report child abuse, along with two counts of second-degree assault and battery. The unfolding investigation began after one vigilant parent reported the suspected abuse on January 30, 2025, initiating a probe that has now exposed a disturbing pattern of behavior.

Timeline of Devastation

According to authorities, evidence suggests that Benoit’s alleged abuse may have been ongoing since at least October 2024. Some fear it could have started even earlier, as speculation hints it might have begun around August 2024. This timeline of abuse raises serious concerns about the safety protocols at the school and why such behavior remained unchecked for so long.

In an even more troubling twist, it seems that Shaw, the principal, was aware of Benoit’s actions as she reportedly informed her supervisor. However, she failed to take the necessary steps to report the abuse to law enforcement, a significant breach of her responsibilities as a mandated reporter. This failure highlights deep concerns regarding accountability within the educational system.

Bond Hearing and Restrictions

Following their arrests, both Benoit and Shaw appeared in a bond hearing on February 26, 2025. During this hearing, Benoit was granted a bond set at $75,000, while Shaw received a $50,000 bond. However, these bonds come with strict conditions: both individuals must maintain a distance of at least 1,000 yards from the school and the homes of the victims. Benoit, in particular, is prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with minors and must wear GPS monitoring if he manages to post bond.

More Victims Come Forward

In a troubling development post-arrests, police reported that two additional children have come forward with their own allegations against Benoit. This raises the possibility that the true extent of the abuses may be broader than initially suspected. The Richland County Sheriff’s Department and SLED played crucial roles in assisting with the arrests, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.

Ongoing Investigations and Community Response

As the investigation deepens, the South Carolina Public Charter School District is also taking a hard look into the operations of Green Charter School to explore any potential violations of the mandated reporter law. School officials, along with the charter management company, are keeping a close eye on the unfolding events and promise to provide further updates as new information becomes available.

In light of these alarming events, parents, former students, and employees are encouraged to reach out to the Irmo Police Investigations Division if they have any information regarding additional potential victims. The call for vigilance has never been more important as the community seeks answers and strives to ensure the safety of all children.

A Community in Need of Healing

This shocking news has left parents, students, and community members in a state of disbelief, grappling with the reality of such grave accusations. As the investigation continues, both current and former stakeholders of the school are reminded of the critical importance of reporting any suspicious behavior. Together, the Irmo community must unite in support of the victims and remain vigilant to prevent future tragedies.