LEONARDTOWN, Md. (April 1, 2011) — A local teacher was charged Thursday with one count of Sexual Offense in the Fourth Degree. Jonathan David Cooney, age 26, of Lexington Park, was charged via a criminal summons. Additional charges are pending following a review by the St. Mary's County State's Attorney's Office, say police.
Investigators with the St. Mary's County Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) say they received a report of suspected child abuse on Thursday, March 21, from the Maryland Department of Social Services alleging a school teacher, employed by the St. Mary's County Public Schools, attempted to engage in a sexual relationship with a juvenile student.
Police say their investigation consisted of numerous interviews and the execution of a search and seizure warrant in Lexington Park.
Detectives say they received the full cooperation of school officials during their investigation.