News Summary
The community in Irmo, South Carolina, is reeling from the arrests of Green Charter School principal Tina Shaw and after-school director Sulaymaan Benoit, accused of sexual abuse and child safety violations. Allegations surfaced from a parent’s report leading to investigations revealing Benoit faced multiple counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, involving several students. Shaw’s failure to report these incidents has resulted in her facing legal consequences. The situation has prompted fears among parents and the community about the safety of children in educational settings.
Shocking Arrests at Green Charter School of the Midlands
In a startling turn of events, the small community in Irmo, South Carolina, is grappling with distressing allegations involving two prominent figures from the Green Charter School of the Midlands. The principal, Tina Shaw, aged 41, and the after-school director and substitute teacher, Sulaymaan Benoit, aged 33, were arrested on February 26, 2025, following serious accusations of sexual abuse and child safety violations.
A Closer Look at the Allegations
The timeline of this unsettling situation started when a parent approached the Irmo Police Department on January 30, 2025, claiming their child had been assaulted by Benoit. As the investigation unfolded, it came to light that Benoit was facing eight counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, all connected to allegations of fondling three students aged between 7 and 12 years old. The abuses reportedly date back to at least October 2024, with police indications pointing to a potential earlier start in August 2024.
Not to be overlooked is the role of Shaw, whose failure to report these incidents to law enforcement has landed her in hot water, leading to charges for failure to report child abuse. Additionally, she faces two counts of assault and battery for conducting improper searches on two students. The public is left to ponder how these trusted educators could have potentially endangered the students they were supposed to protect.
What Happens Next?
Following their arrests, both individuals were taken to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center for processing. At a bond hearing, Benoit was set with a bond of $75,000, while Shaw posted a $50,000 bond. Court mandates require both to stay at least 1,000 yards away from the school, the victims’ homes, and places of worship. Benoit is also prohibited from having any unsupervised contact with minors and must wear an ankle monitor if he posts bond.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
As the news ripples through the community, parents and residents are understandably shaken. Irmo Police Chief Bobby Dale commented on the severity of these incidents, emphasizing that they were non-consensual and lewd in nature. The police believe there may still be more victims yet to come forward and have actively encouraged current or former students and employees to contact the Irmo Police Investigations Division with any information.
Since the arrests, two additional victims have bravely come forward to share their experiences, adding further weight to the ongoing investigation. With already troubling circumstances, the importance of transparency and thorough investigation has never been more necessary.
School’s Reaction and Future Implications
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) also played key roles in these arrests, and the South Carolina Public Charter School District was notified of the allegations against Benoit and Shaw on February 21, 2025. As a nonprofit charter management organization under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Public Charter School District, Green Charter School of the Midlands is now faced with the repercussions of these serious allegations.
With students ranging from kindergarten through 8th grade, the safety and well-being of these children have been thrown into the spotlight. The school community is now questioning how such actions could occur in a place meant for learning and development, and what steps will be taken to ensure the safety of students moving forward.
Looking Forward
Benoit had been on administrative leave since February 6, 2025, actively seeking another job, raising eyebrows about his ability to continue working in education. As this story continues to unfold, the community remains hopeful for justice and a path toward healing for those affected by these alarming events at the Green Charter School of the Midlands.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC Columbia
- Myrtle Beach Online
- WLTX
- FitsNews
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Sexual Abuse
- Google Search: Irmo Police Teacher Arrested
- Google Scholar: Child Protection in Schools
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- Google News: South Carolina School Arrests
Author: STAFF HERE CLINTON
The HERE Clinton Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Clinton community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Clinton: Our team includes lifelong Clinton residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Clinton’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Clinton Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
