Without releasing specifics of the criminal charges in the case, Morgan County Schools officials put out a statement on Monday evening that a Paw Paw teacher was arrested and is facing charges in Louisa County, Virginia and is no longer employed by the county.
The statement was posted on July 21 on the Paw Paw Schools social media page.
On Tuesday morning, the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to The Morgan Messenger that there is an active investigation in their jurisdiction involving Benjamin “Sam” Hopkins of Hedgesville.
Hopkins has been arrested and charged with solicitation of a minor, adultery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, according to Louisa County law enforcement officials.
“This investigation is ongoing and we are not able to provide much more detail at this time,” said Detective Sgt. R. Hughes in an email to The Messenger.
Hopkins was previously listed as a Special Education teacher at Paw Paw Schools and had been hired by the Morgan County School Board in January of 2020 as a substitute teacher. As of Tuesday he was not listed in the staff director for Paw Paw Schools. Superintendent David Banks on Tuesday said Hopkins has resigned from his position with the county school system.
In their statement, school officials wrote:
“Morgan County Schools was recently alerted that a Paw Paw Schools teacher was arrested and charged with serious crimes in Louisa County, Virginia. Administration immediately contacted the school system’s legal counsel and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). On the same date, legal counsel and the WVDE contacted Louisa County’s prosecuting attorney’s office, to obtain information on the allegations and charges. The individual remains in jail as of today’s date and is no longer employed by the Morgan County Board of Education. While we recognize that those charged with crimes are innocent until proven guilty, the school system believes it is the best practice to be open, direct, and forthcoming with our community when criminal matters such as these arise. The school system has no reason to believe that any wrongdoing has occurred towards our students, but if you have any concerns, please contact local law enforcement. As always, the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority.”