Shocking Arrests at Irmo Charter School: Allegations of Child Abuse Rock Community

Community gathering discussing child safety allegations at school

News Summary

The small town of Irmo is in disbelief following the arrest of two officials at the Green Charter School of the Midlands on charges related to child abuse. Principal Tina Shaw and after-school director Sulaymaan Benoit face serious allegations, including multiple counts of sexual misconduct and failure to report abuse. The local community is now on high alert as parents fear for their children’s safety and the ongoing investigation continues to unfold.

Shocking Arrests at Irmo Charter School: Allegations of Child Abuse Rock Community

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the small town of Irmo is grappling with serious allegations that have resulted in the arrests of two school officials from the Green Charter School of the Midlands. On February 26, 2025, the school’s principal, Tina Shaw, and after-school director, Sulaymaan Benoit, found themselves in handcuffs amid troubling claims of child abuse.

Allegations Against Benoit

At the center of this scandal is Sulaymaan Benoit, who has been charged with a staggering eight counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. The accusations involve him allegedly fondling three students, all aged between 7 and 12. The investigation began after a concerned parent reached out to the Irmo Police on January 30 to report an alleged assault involving Benoit. In an unsettling twist, reports have surfaced that Benoit’s alleged inappropriate behavior may date back to October 2024.

Principal Under Fire

Meanwhile, Principal Tina Shaw is facing her own legal troubles. She has been charged with failing to report child abuse, as well as two counts of second-degree assault and battery. It’s reported that Shaw knew about the allegations from parents but did not take immediate action to report them to law enforcement. She was also made aware of another student who had alleged abuse by Benoit, yet she still failed to inform the authorities.

School’s Response

After the allegations came to light, Benoit was placed on administrative leave, but the delay in reporting such serious accusations has raised eyebrows. Internal emails show that Shaw was discussing the situation with the school’s HR director, further complicating matters around the school’s decision-making process. Parents, after initially confiding in Shaw, took it upon themselves to go to the police, highlighting a serious lapse in mandated reporting protocol.

The Investigation Unfolds

Irmo Police have since confirmed that evidence indicating inappropriate contact with students was collected during the investigation, leading to the arrests. These shocking discoveries have left the community in disbelief and raised concerns about the safety protocols in schools. Parents are understandably anxious, with many now wondering if there are more victims who may have not yet come forward.

Legal Proceedings Begin

Both Shaw and Benoit were swiftly taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center for their bond hearings. Benoit’s bond was set at $75,000, with strict conditions: he is prohibited from contacting his alleged victims, returning to the school, or having unsupervised contact with minors. He is also required to wear GPS monitoring. Shaw received a $50,000 personal recognizance bond but under similar restrictions, although she has been allowed to return to the school.

Community Impact

The South Carolina Public Charter School District has been notified of these serious allegations and is currently investigating to ensure all legal and regulatory standards are being met. The community has been encouraged to come forward with any further information, as police believe there may be more potential victims out there.

A Call for Vigilance

This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the important roles that educators play in the lives of children—and the responsibilities that come with those roles. As Irmo navigates this challenging time, parents and community members are reminded of the significance of promptly reporting any concerns or incidents. It is crucial that the safety and well-being of students remain a top priority.

As investigations continue, the community is hoping for clarity and reassurances that their children are safe, and that appropriate actions are being taken to address these serious allegations.