PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — A former high school social studies teacher was indicted on more than a dozen counts related to the sexual abuse of a student, the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.
State’s Attorney Tara Jackson said Amir Johnson, of Bowie, Md., was indicted on 18 counts, including sexual abuse of a minor and rape.
Between January and April of this year, officials said Johnson had multiple sexual encounters with a child.
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) lists Johnson as a social studies teacher at Parkdale High School.
In a statement, PGCPS said the following:
Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) is committed to the safety and well-being of our students and staff. When schools receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect, staff is immediately removed to investigate the matter, and the allegation is reported to Child Protective Services. PGCPS is taking this matter seriously and fully supporting law enforcement in their ongoing investigation. As this is a personnel matter, we cannot provide further details at this time.
Jackson also noted that he has since been suspended.
“This indictment reflects our office’s efforts to protect our most vulnerable residents, including our children,” Jackson said, in part. “Sexual abuse is an extremely personal violation against someone, especially a child, and we take these allegations very seriously.”
“Teachers are trusted professionals who have a responsibility to care, educate, and develop our children, and violating that trust in such an egregious manner is a betrayal of our community’s safety and values,” her statement continued.
