Prince George's Schools Respond to Teacher Sex Abuse Allegations

The public school system stated it was deeply saddened to learn a teacher allegedly sexually assaulted a student at Isaac Gourdine Middle School, according to Prince George's County Public Schools (PGPCS).

Garnold Maurice King, 48, from the Upper Marlboro area, was a social studies teacher at Isaac Gourdine Middle School when the alleged abuse took place. His former student said that King sexually assaulted her on and off school grounds between September 2011 and June 2012, according to the Prince George's County Police Department.

"Our number one priority is the protection and safety of our students," the school system said Wednesday in a statement. "We are working with law enforcement authorities to ensure that this matter is resolved as quickly as possible."

School counselors are available at Isaac Gourdine and Thurgood Marshall middle schools, where King had also taught, for students who feel they need to talk about this "very unfortunate matter," PGPCS stated.

Police George's County police have charged King with sexually assaulting the then-13-year-old girl in Fort Washington.

King was placed under arrest on Dec. 6. He faces charges of second, third and fourth degree sex offenses; two counts of sex abuse of a minor; and several other charges. Police said he was released on a $125,000 bond.

King was transferred this semester from Isaac Gourdine to Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Temple Hills, according to Briant Coleman, spokesman for Prince George's County Public Schools. 

The school system became aware of the allegations and immediately removed him from the school, according to PGPCS. They removed King in September and placed him in a non-student contact position away from the school, Coleman said. He did not immediately disclose where that position was.

King is currently on administrative leave pending criminal and administrative investigations, according to PGPCS.

The school system asks parents to contact its Office of Security with their questions and concerns at (301) 499-7001. 

Prince George's County police ask anyone with information in this case to call the its Children and Vulnerable Adult Unit at 301-772-4930.