PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. — Parents and residents voiced their concerns on Monday after the arrest of a former Prince George County school official charged with multiple counts of child sex abuse.
Virginia State Police reported that 78-year-old William Barnes, Jr., a long-time educator in Prince George County Schools, was arrested on July 30. He now faces nine charges related to child sex abuse.
During a Prince George County Public Schools board meeting on August 12, several parents and residents criticized the board for what they see as a failure to address the serious allegations against Barnes.
Gene Shanks, a county resident, said he had raised concerns about Barnes to the board back in 2023. He believes that some people knew about the allegations long before an official investigation began.I decided enough is enough. I was done with a blind eye being turned, Shanks said.This man was in our schools for over 40 years, with allegations over the years, multiple victims, and finally, state police took the case and started an investigation.
A parent with a child starting kindergarten next week asked the board how they plan to handle similar situations in the future.
I want to know what steps will be taken to ensure transparency and accountability, with our children’s safety as the top priority, the parent said.
School board member Michelle Crist brought up concerns about the board’s FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) policy, saying that board members are often not informed about certain FOIA requests.
What are our procedures, and what are we doing moving forward? Crist asked. As a board member, I’m required to take FOIA training every two years. Why would I be required to do this if I’m not included in the process?
Crist proposed that board members be notified of all future FOIA requests, but other members wanted to see a written proposal before voting. The discussion was postponed for a later meeting.
Barnes is currently being held at Riverside Regional Jail without bond, with his next court appearance scheduled for August 22.
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