ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. — Three Albemarle County Public Schools administrators have been charged with failing to report suspected child abuse, including allegations involving aggravated battery, following a months-long investigation by the Albemarle County Police Department.
A grand jury indicted the three individuals Monday, Oct. 5, on three counts each of violating Virginia’s mandatory child-abuse reporting law, according to a police department media release.
Those charged are:
- Joseph Downes McCauley, of Charlottesville, former principal of Hollymead Elementary School.
- Jhonce Brodie Downs, of Crozet, deputy chief human resources officer.
- Erin Eileen Stone, of Charlottesville, Title IX coordinator.
Each faces two Class 1 misdemeanor charges alleging a knowing and intentional failure to report information involving a serious offense against a child. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine.
All three also face a separate charge of failing to make a report required under Virginia law, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
The court granted all three personal recognizance bonds.
Virginia law requires teachers and other school employees who have reason to suspect child abuse or neglect in their professional capacity to promptly report their concerns to the appropriate child protective authorities.
Police said the investigation was conducted in cooperation with the Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office and Child Protective Services.
During the investigation, detectives received information suggesting that some teachers and school employees may be reluctant to report suspected abuse or neglect because they fear disciplinary action.
Police urged school employees not to allow concerns about retaliation to prevent them from reporting suspected child abuse.
FROM THE ACPD:
Any teacher or staff member with information concerning past or current suspected child abuse or neglect is encouraged to report those concerns directly to Child Protective Services by calling 434-972-4010 or the statewide Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-552-7096.
Reports may be made directly to the appropriate authorities and do not need to be routed through a supervisor or school administrator.
The cases are now pending in the Albemarle County Circuit Court, and further comments, if any, will be limited to procedural and case status updates.
“These arrests reflect our unwavering dedication to accountability while conducting thorough investigations,” Albemarle County police Maj. Camille Stewart said in the release.
