By SHARON O’MALLEY
A Parkdale High School social studies teacher was indicted on June 26 on 18 counts of sexual abuse related to a minor.
The teacher, Amir Johnson, has been suspended from teaching. Prince George’s County States Attorney Tara Jackson did not identify the victim as a Parkdale student. The Prince George’s County Police Department is investigating the charges of sexual abuse and rape.
Some College Park students attend Parkdale, which is located in Riverdale Park.
Jackson released a brief statement about the indictment but said no more details would be released at this time because of the child’s age and the sensitive nature of the charges.
“This indictment reflects our office’s efforts to protect our most vulnerable residents, including our children,” Jackson said in a statement. “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.”
Prince George’s County Public Schools also issued statement: “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.”
Parkdale High School has approximately 2,800 students and
serves grades 9 through 12.
