School Staffer Charged In Alleged Sex Abuse Of Student

Annapolis police have charged a staff member at a Crownsville school with sexually abusing a 13-year-old student.

Mark Thoms, 38, of Severna Park turned himself into Annapolis police on Tuesday. In addition to sexual abuse, he faces charges including sexual solicitation of a minor and three counts of fourth-degree sexual offense as a person in a position of authority.

Anne Arundel County social services officials were made aware of the allegations in April. Police then worked with social services to investigate the complaint. The victim said they were abused several times between last November and this March at a home in Annapolis. The alleged victim is a former student at Mary Moss At J. Albert Adams Academy, the Crownsville alternative education center where Thoms worked.

Charging documents say the student's father spoke to Thoms in November about his son. They say Thoms offered to let the student move into his apartment. The boy changed schools as part of the move. After five months, the students told his father that Thoms was assaulting him. They say Thoms threatened to not be friends with the student if he reported the abuse.

Thoms was immediately removed from the school in April, and has been on paid administrative leave since June, when he was ordered not to have contact with children.

“People who would prey on children have no place in our school system or any school system," school system spokesman Bob Mosier said. "He has been on administrative leave since June. Given today’s charges, we will move forward with further action as it regards his employment."

Any other victims or anyone with information is asked to call police at 410-260-3439. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP or the Annapolis police tip line at 410-280-CLUE.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.