By CatholicVote | Created at 2025-03-03 20:25:55 | Updated at 2025-03-04 00:25:10
3 hours ago
CV NEWS FEED // A substitute Catholic school teacher was arrested in Fairfax County, Virginia, and the Diocese of Arlington is requesting that anyone with information on the teacher contacts the police.
“The Catholic Diocese of Arlington has learned that Dr. Eric Sean Williams of Annandale was arrested on Thursday, February 27 in Fairfax County,” the diocese wrote in a Feb. 28 press release, “and criminally charged on multiple counts of sexual assault involving a minor.”
No known incidents occurred on parish or school property, according to the release. Williams had taught as a long-term substitute at St. Michael’s Catholic School in Annandale since 2019 and had volunteered there since October 2016.
“Anyone with any relevant information regarding Dr. Williams should immediately contact the Fairfax County Police Department by calling (703) 691-2131,” the diocese stated.
The diocese stated that Williams had undergone a criminal background check and safe environment training as a condition of volunteering and teaching. The diocese reiterated its zero tolerance policy for abuse and added that all staff members, clergy, and volunteers receive mandatory abuse prevention and awareness training. Those working with minors undergo a background check every five years.
“The diocesan Office of Child Protection and Victim Assistance works with parish and school staff to ensure training and prevention policies are followed throughout our communities,” the statement added. “No one with a credible allegation against them is serving with minors in the diocese.”
The statement also included the contact information for the diocese’s victim assistance coordinator and encouraged anyone who knows of abuse or misconduct within the diocese to contact the coordinator.
