Delaware school principal pleads guilty to rape and sexual abuse of child

(WPHL) — A former school prinicpal in Delaware has pled guilty to Rape and Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child.

According to the Department of Justice, 41-year-old Tasha Purnell, formerly known as Tasha Oliver, pled guilty followubg an investigation into the rape of a child under the age of 16,

Purnell worked as a teacher at Stanton Middle School before she became the principal of A.I. Middle School from 2020 until her suspension and termination in September 2024.

“The sexual abuse of a child, in any case, is heinous,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “When that abuse comes from an adult, much less a person in a position of trust such as a principal or teacher whose entire purpose is to guide and protect children, it is absolutely unthinkable. The defendant will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. I am truly grateful to our prosecutors and the Delaware State Police for their excellent work on this case.”

The DOJ says no other victims are believed to be associated with this case.

Purnell is scheduled to be sentenced in August.