High school teacher charged with sexual abuse of a minor

A high school teacher at Merganthaler Vocational-Technical High School in Baltimore has been charged and arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a 12-year-old minor.

The teacher, identified as 24-year-old Lewis Laury, was denied bail on Tuesday. According to CBS NewsThe alleged sexual assault took place at Laury’s Baltimore County apartment, where the minor was discovered a week after her family reported her missing. The high school teacher and the minor lived in the same apartment complex. The girl’s disappearance on June 21 sparked a large-scale search effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to the outlet.

The Baltimore Banner reported that, according to prosecutors, the high school teacher and the minor first met at a local playground, where the girl allegedly claimed

22. While in the hospital, the minor told authorities that she had allegedly engaged in sexual acts with Laury on multiple occasions over a three-day period. The case attracted widespread attention, and on social media, prominent figures, including Maryland First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore and actress Jada Pinkett Smith, called for the girl’s safe return.

During the bail hearing, Judge Marsha Russell expressed concerns about the specifics of the case, stating, “Although he has no prior criminal record, the circumstances lead me to believe he poses a danger to the public. I will keep bail at zero.”

The principal addressed the situation in a letter to families. “I can assure you that our Mervo team and City Schools are taking this matter seriously,” the principal said. “The City Schools Human Capital Office is aware of the arrest and will take appropriate action.”

If convicted of sexually assaulting a minor, the high school teacher faces up to 30 years in prison. Laury’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 26.

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