Indicted P.G. School Board Member Resigns
posted 8:14 pm Wed June 06, 2007 - Upper Marlboro, Md.
ABC 7 has learned that Prince George's County School Board member Nathaniel Thomas has resigned his position. Sources say the resignation was contained in a letter Thomas sent to the state Board of Education on Wednesday.
A Prince George's County grand jury indicted Thomas Tuesday on one charge of third-degree sex offense. Last month, the school board recommended that the Maryland Board of Education expel Thomas, who took a seat on the board seven months ago.
The Prince George's County School Board Chairman, R. Owen Johnson, Jr., issued a statement Wednesday night, saying, "The Board of Education is pleased by Mr. Thomas's decision to bring a measure of closure to this extremely unfortunate situation. We respect his decision to step down and appreciate his action to remove any further distractions from school business.
"At the same time, the Board is genuinely disappointed and angered by the allegations against a person who has held positions of trust in our school system and this community. We believe, because of swift action to protect the safety of children and investigate the allegations against Mr. Thomas, necessary information was discovered and many questions were answered."Thomas is accused of having sex with a 15-year-old student he once taught. Thomas, who is 26, could face up to ten years in prison if convicted.
Thomas also has been under investigation for relationships he had with an 18-year-old high school senior and the school board's student member.
A Prince George's County grand jury indicted Thomas Tuesday on one charge of third-degree sex offense. Last month, the school board recommended that the Maryland Board of Education expel Thomas, who took a seat on the board seven months ago.
The Prince George's County School Board Chairman, R. Owen Johnson, Jr., issued a statement Wednesday night, saying, "The Board of Education is pleased by Mr. Thomas's decision to bring a measure of closure to this extremely unfortunate situation. We respect his decision to step down and appreciate his action to remove any further distractions from school business.
"At the same time, the Board is genuinely disappointed and angered by the allegations against a person who has held positions of trust in our school system and this community. We believe, because of swift action to protect the safety of children and investigate the allegations against Mr. Thomas, necessary information was discovered and many questions were answered."Thomas is accused of having sex with a 15-year-old student he once taught. Thomas, who is 26, could face up to ten years in prison if convicted.
Thomas also has been under investigation for relationships he had with an 18-year-old high school senior and the school board's student member.
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