Thomas Walter “TJ” Barber, Jr., 29, of Annapolis is being held in a Prince George’s County jail awaiting arraignment for the sexual abuse of a 17-year old student.
Barber was a teacher and assistant coach at Bladensburg High School. The school district fired him and is cooperating with police in the investigation.
Statement on arrest of Bladensburg HS Teacher: PGCPS is aware of the arrest Thursday of a Bladensburg High School teacher, who also served as an assistant coach for the junior varsity girls volleyball team. We will cooperate fully with law enforcement in the investigation. (1/2)
— PGCPS (@pgcps) October 11, 2019
Statement con.: Based upon the circumstances of the case, we have terminated the employee. Any behavior that brings harm to a student will not be tolerated in any way by PGCPS. We remain focused on our commitment to ensuring safe learning environments for all students. (2/2)
— PGCPS (@pgcps) October 11, 2019
According to the Prince George’s County Police Department, the victim reported the incidents to them on Thursday and an arrest was made on Friday. The student said that the sex acts had occurred both on and off campus and that it had been happening since the beginning of the school year.
Barber has admitted to the abuse to police and he has been charged with sexual abuse of a minor and related charges.
Police do not believe there are any ore victims, but are asking anyone with information that may be relevant to call the police department’s Child and Vulnerable Adult Unit at (301) 772-4930.