UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — Former Prince George’s County teacher’s aide Deonte Carraway faces possible multiple life prison sentences if convicted on charges of sexually abusing 23 children at Judge Sylvania Woods Elementary School. But he’s not the only one under investigation.
A grand jury returned a 270-count indictment against Carraway on Wednesday. The 22-year-old also served as a tutor and babysitter.
“There are two investigations going now,” said State’s Attorney Angela Alsobrooks. “We’re looking at how these particular crimes were allowed to occur and whether or not any crimes were committed by individuals who had care and custody of these children.”
Prosecutors say 20 boys and 3 girls ages 9 to 13 were abused on and off school property between August 2015 and February 2016.
A civil lawsuit filed against the school system in February charges that Carraway’s predatory behavior was well known to students, teachers and parents, and even reported to the school’s principal.
“How did this occur? Who, if anyone, knew about it? Are there additional individuals who should be held accountable?” Alsobrooks said, outlining the parameters of the second criminal investigation.
The second investigation could last several weeks or more and it’s unclear whether anyone else will be charged.
“What we’ve learned so far is the laws are not as strong in that area, so we’ll see what we find, but this very well may be an issue that we have to take up in Annapolis in January to ensure that we have the appropriate laws to protect children when others know about these actions and don’t report them,” Alsobrooks said.
Prince George’s County School Superintendent Kevin Maxwell is conducting his own investigation to determine whether any personnel disciplinary action must be taken by the school system.
