On Monday 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”, according to M/Cpl. Michel Eckerd.
Eckerd said 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 Garfield was identified by detectives as the teacher at the school and the victim further positively identified him said Eckerd. Evidence was recovered that corroborated the disclosures, added Eckerd.
Earlier today 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.
Garfield 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.
Eckerd said 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 Garfield to contact Detective Alex Laux at (302)395-2756 or via e-mail [email protected].