POQUOSON, Va. — The principal at Poquoson Primary School was issued a misdemeanor summons in May for failing to report child abuse or neglect regarding an incident in which a male substitute teacher allegedly kissed a 6-year-old student, according to court documents.
The alleged incident happened in April, and Principal Ruth-Marie Cason was issued the misdemeanor summons on May 31, court documents indicate.
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Court documents reveal Cason was approached by a parent who told her about the kiss, at which point Cason replied, “that didn’t happen,” according to documents.
Police told News 3 they did not find evidence to substantiate the abuse claim and said no criminal charges have been filed in that case; however, there is a summons for Cason based on a civil statute that is still active.
According to investigators, Cason did not report to her supervisors, Child Protective Services or the police. She also did not address the issue with the male substitute.
This came to light because of a second incident on May 1 involving the same male substitute which Cason did report to the School Resource Officer (SRO). The details are unclear regarding the second incident.
Poquoson Superintendent Arty Tillett sent a statement to News 3 Monday afternoon:
On May 31, 2024 a PCPS Principal was issued a summons to appear in court for failure to make a CPS report within the required period on time. The report leading to this summons was thoroughly investigated by the Poquoson Police Department and no evidence was found to substantiate the claim and no criminal charges were filed. The school division has cooperated with fully with the Police Department and continues to follow the law and policy related to this personnel matter.
