Superintendent responds after counselor charged with rape, child porn

Wicomico County School Board

SALISBURY, Md. – Allen Edward Mitchell, a guidance counselor at James M. Bennett High School, was arrested on Friday for second degree rape, sexual misconduct with minors and soliciting child pornography on Friday.

A statement from Wicomico Schools Superintendent Dr. Donna Hanlin was then released Saturday morning stating she is looking to move forward.

The superintendent said, “This morning we were notified by the State’s Attorney’s Office that Allen Mitchell, a guidance counselor at James M. Bennett High School, has been arrested on numerous charges involving minors. Mitchell had previously been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal investigation. Wicomico County Public Schools is working in full cooperation with the State’s Attorney’s Office and with law enforcement on this matter.”

Hanlin also said that the district’s first priority is the safety and well-being of students and staff members.