WOODBRIDGE, Va. — A Prince William County elementary school teacher turned herself into police after being accused of not reporting sexual abuse among students.
The alleged abuse happened was reported to the teacher by her students at Marumsco Elementary School in Woodbridge on March 30, police documents state. That’s when two students independently came to the teacher and reported the alleged abuse following a “Hugs and Kisses” presentation, a play coproduced in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Social Services. The play focuses on avoiding and reporting inappropriate situations.
Prince William County Public Schools spokesman Phil Kavits said the alleged abuse was reported at the school but is believed to have taken place elsewhere.
Police documents state the teacher waited until April 12 to inform anyone about the reported abuse. Police said teachers in Virginia are required to report abuse within 72 hours of being notified of an occurrence. A warrant was obtained for the teacher and she turned herself in April 20, police documents state.
Esther Geovanni Castillo, 46, of 7040 Lakota Drive #404 in Woodbridge is charged with failure to report suspected abuse to authorities. The charge is a civil offense, police add. She was released on a summons and is expected to appear in court May 31.
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