SC advisor accused of allegedly failing to report because child told her she had been raped

A Spartanburg County guidance counselor was arrested on suspicion of failing to report a child telling her he or she had been raped by another student.

Educators are required to report. All allegations must be reported to social services or law enforcement.

Master Deputy Johnathan McGill of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office said the student attended Clifdale Middle School from August 2021 to February 2024 and said she told Joy Allen she had been sexually abused.

On February 7, 2024, the student notified the Daniel Morgan Applied Technology Center school office, which alerted authorities.

The student said she made the accusation to Joy Allen twice and Allen said the alleged assault was too old.

During the investigation, officers learned that the student had been seen at the Children’s Advocacy Center, where the sexual assault was confirmed.

When officers questioned Allen in April, she admitted she did not report the allegation and that she believed she had not violated any laws.

Allen, 61, of Chesnee, turned herself in Wednesday and was charged with failure to report child abuse/neglect. She was licensed by the South Carolina Department of Education as a teacher and special education teacher in 1995 and as a guidance counselor in 2017.

“This incident underscores the need for all reporters to understand and comply with their legal obligations, particularly in educational settings,” McGill said in a press release. “The safety of our children is paramount and any suspected abuse or assault must be reported immediately to ensure the well-being of all students.”

Spartanburg School District 3 spokesman Taggart Houck said the district was notified Tuesday that charges had been filed against Allen and that she will be placed on leave for the 2024-2025 school year if the matter is not resolved by then.