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Posted: Thu Jun 11th, 2009 04:12 pm |
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By Glenn Rolfe
Sussex Post
DAGSBORO – Indian River School District was jolted last week with the arrests of two Sussex Central High School teachers for alleged sexual incidents involving students.
John O. Thompson, 26, of Dagsboro was charged with first degree rape and unlawful sexual contact for an alleged sexual relationship with a 10th grade student, said Delaware State Police spokesman Sgt. Walter Newton.
Police arrested Mr. Thompson at Sussex Central High School June 2 – the day after he served as an invited speaker at Sussex Central High School’s graduation – after troopers received information from the school administration.
On June 3, John George Rainis, 24, of Lewes was arrested on sexual extortion and unlawful sexual contact charges for alleged inappropriate behavior with a female student earlier this year.
Mr. Rainis, taken into custody at Sussex Central High School where he is a full-time substitute teacher and an athletic trainer, is accused of allegedly touching the female student inappropriately while she was receiving treatment for an athletic injury. When the girl attempted to stop his advances Mr. Rainis allegedly reminded her that he was the only one who could clear her to participate in her sport, Sgt. Newton said.
These arrests last week came just over a year after the arrest of Sussex Central High School principal Dana Goodman on rape and sexual abuse charges for an alleged consensual relationship with a female student in May 2008.
“The Indian River School District has a number of strong policies in place regarding staff conduct in the workplace,” said Indian River School District Superintendent Dr. Susan Bunting. “At least four of these policies specifically address sexual harassment, sexual misconduct and fraternization with students. We expect all district employees to abide by the provisions of these policies or face consequences that could include termination. Sexual harassment or misconduct directed toward a student is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the district administration or board of education.”
“We are certainly very sorry that all of this happened – very disappointed,” said IRSD board of education president Charles Bireley. “We’re going to do our very best to get to the bottom of it. We’re doing a very lengthy investigation and hopefully we can clear all of this up.”
Mr. Thompson, a social studies teacher at Sussex Central High School, was suspended without pay pending the completion of this investigation, Dr. Bunting said.
According to Sgt. Newton, two students came forward earlier in the week and told administrators they were aware that Mr. Thompson had a sexual relationship with a student.
Detectives executed a search warrant at Mr. Thompson’s residence and vehicle and evidence obtained linked Mr. Thompson to the inappropriate relationship, Sgt. Newton said.
The alleged sexual assault occurred at Mr. Thompson’s residence and evidence also indicated inappropriate contact took place while the student and Thompson were in his car, Sgt. Newton said. Troopers believe this alleged sexual assault took place while the two were driving in the Long Neck area sometime during the month of May.
Mr. Thompson was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 in Lewes. Bail was set at $5,500 secured pending a preliminary hearing in Sussex County Court of Common Pleas.
The arrest of Mr. Rainis stemmed from police questioning a female student after rumors surfaced of inappropriate behavior which police believe occurred in March 2009.
State police executed a search warrant at the high school and at Mr. Rainis’ home in Lewes and removed electronic devices for forensic examination by the State Police High Technology Crimes Unit, Sgt. Newton said.
Mr. Rainis was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 2 in Lewes and committed to the Department of Corrections in lieu of $7,000 cash bail, Sgt. Newton said.
In response to these events, counseling sessions were held June 4 for Sussex Central High School students in grades 9-11, and the district is planning additional sensitivity training for teachers during the in-service period June 15-18.
“The district would like to offer a sincerely apology to Sussex Central’s senior class of 2009,” said Dr. Bunting. “We hope these events do not dim the seniors’ memories of a wonderful graduation ceremony. The school and district are committed to moving beyond these unfortunate incidents and returning the focus to the education of our children. Sussex Central High School remains a fine institution with many talented students and teachers. No amount of adversity should tarnish their accomplishments.”
News Editor Glenn Rolfe can be reached at 629-5505 or grolfe@newszap.com.
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