Washington, IN - A substitute teacher at Washington Community Schools has been arrested following an investigation into inappropriate behavior inside a classroom. Authorities say Wayne Armstrong II was taken into custody Monday. He now faces charges of performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor and public indecency.
Allegations Reported to School Officials
The investigation began on Thursday, January 22, when a student and parent alerted school administrators at Washington Junior High about Armstrong’s behavior during class. District officials confirmed Armstrong was immediately removed from his position and is no longer employed or affiliated with the school system.
Police Conduct Interviews and Search
According to Washington Police, detectives visited the school the day after the report to interview students who were inside the classroom at the time of the alleged incident. Administrators informed parents that a detective would be present on campus while the investigation continued.
Following those discussions, a detective secured a search warrant for Armstrong’s home. Evidence collected from the residence was sent to the Knox County Cyber Crimes Unit for review. Investigators then forwarded a report to the Daviess County Prosecutor’s Office, which moved to issue an arrest warrant.
Arrest Made Without Incident
Police located Armstrong on Monday and took him into custody without resistance. Officials have not released additional details as the investigation remains ongoing.
Indiana Attorney Explains Legal Steps for Families After Substitute Teacher Abuse Allegations
As investigations continue into allegations of sexual misconduct by a substitute teacher at Washington Community Schools, many parents are asking what legal options are available to protect their children and hold offenders accountable. To better understand how families can respond, our team spoke with Jeff Gibson, an experienced Indiana sexual abuse lawyer, about the process of filing civil claims, pursuing damages, and ensuring schools maintain safer environments for students.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a substitute teacher faces charges like these, what steps can victims and their families take right away?
Jeff Gibson, Esq.: The first priority is ensuring the child’s safety and access to professional support. From a legal standpoint, families can file both criminal complaints through law enforcement and separate civil actions against the individual and possibly the school district if negligence contributed to the abuse.
Banville: Can a school be held legally responsible in cases like this?
Gibson: Yes, under certain circumstances. If the district failed to conduct proper background checks or ignored warning signs, there could be grounds for a civil claim. These lawsuits not only help families recover damages but also push institutions to strengthen their protection policies.
Banville: Are there deadlines for filing such claims?
Gibson: Absolutely. Indiana law has specific statutes of limitation for these cases, though some exceptions exist for minors. Consulting with an attorney early helps preserve evidence and ensures the case is filed within the required timeframe.
Legal Help Is Available for Families
Families affected by sexual misconduct in schools do not have to face the legal system alone. Our attorneys are committed to helping victims and their loved ones understand their rights, explore all available legal options, and fight for accountability. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your family’s future.
