WASHINGTON — As many as 16 children were victimized by a former Prince George’s County school volunteer who faces child sex abuse and child pornography charges, police said Saturday.
Police said Saturday they believe 22-year-old Deonte Carraway, of Lanham, Maryland, victimized 16 children, including one at Zion Praise Tabernacle Lutheran Church in Bowie, Maryland. Police did not describe in what way the child was harmed or exploited.
Police have said previously that Carraway filmed children performing sex acts at Judge Sylvania Woods Elementary School, where was a paid assistant and director of a youth choir.
He engaged in similar behavior at a Glenarden municipal building where he led choir practices. Children were exploited and/or abused at an aquatic center and private homes, as well.
Saturday’s tally is an increase in the number of victims. On Thursday, 12 children had been identified. A lawsuit filed against the school system alleged that Carraway could have preyed on as many as 30 children.
Carraway is charged with manufacturing child pornography and child solicitation. He is also charged with child abuse of a minor and a second-degree sex offense.
According to court records, Carraway performed a sex act on a 10-year-old child in a school bathroom the day before Carraway was arrested. The act was recorded on Carraway’s cellphone, the child told police.
The uncle of a 9-year-old boy called police on Feb. 4 to report that the boy had sent an inappropriate photo to Carraway using a messaging app called Kik. The boy told police that Carraway gave him the username he used on Kik, court documents say.
Carraway also filmed children performing sex acts on each other at various locations, including the school.
Monday’s announcement of Carraway’s arrest has unleashed a firestorm in the county. Two lawsuits have been filed, school and police held a closed-door meeting with parents Thursday night and county officials pledged a full investigation, including whether any school officials violated any laws.
The suits claim that parents and teachers reported Carraway’s suspicious behavior but that the school’s principal took no action. The suits also state that Carraway’s predatory behavior was well known among the students. The principal, Michelle Williams, has been placed on administrative leave.
Detectives discovered that Carraway had dozens of videos showing both boys and girls performing sex acts. Police believe the victims range in age from 9 to 13.
Carraway has admitted to creating the child pornography and told Fox 5 that he himself was sexually assaulted as a child.
Police ask anyone with information about Carraway or the related investigation to call the tip line at 301-772-4930.
WTOP’s John Aaron contributed to this report from Upper Marlboro.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
