(Wilmington, De 19804) Last Monday (July 11), detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit were made aware that a 15-year-old student came forward and reported that they were having a sexual relationship with their teacher “Mr. James”.
The detectives’ investigation revealed that “Mr. James” was a teacher at High Road School of Delaware located on 1200 N French Street in the City of Wilmington.
James L. Garfield was identified by detectives as the teacher at the school and the victim further positively identified him. Evidence was recovered that corroborated the disclosures.
Earlier today (July 15th) a search warrant was authored and executed for Garfield’s residence located on the unit block of Norway Avenue. He was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters.
There he was charged with two counts of felony Rape 3rd degree Sexual Penetration Victim Under 16 Years Old, and two counts of felony Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust 1st Degree. He was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $200,000 cash bail.
Based on this investigation, the Division is concerned there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Detectives are asking anyone with any information pertaining to this investigation or the defendant James Garfield to contact Detective Alex Laux at (302)395-2756 or via e-mail Alex.Laux@newcastlede.gov or by calling the New Castle County Division of Police non-emergency number at 302-573-2800.
Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or visit us on Facebook (IM) at New Castle County Police.
If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and are in need of assistance, the New Castle County Division of Police Victim Services Unit is available to offer you support and resources through (302)-395-8000.
