Former Delaware teacher arrested, accused of inappropriately touching students

(WPHL) — Delaware State Police arrested a former Red Clay Consolidated School District teacher on multiple felony charges of unlawful sexual contact and sexual abuse of a child, officials announced on Friday.

Vincent Buckwash, 57, formerly worked at Anna P. Mote Elementary School, according to state police.

In May 2024, DSP was notified by Anna P. Mote Elementary School administration and the Delaware Division of Family Services of several reported incidents involving a teacher inappropriately touching multiple students. Immediately following the report, the Red Clay Consolidated School District removed Buckwash from the school. He chose to retire about two months later on July 1, 2024, according to state police.

DSP detectives said that during the 2023-2024 school year, Buckwash, while employed as a teacher, inappropriately touched five students on multiple occasions.

Following a thorough investigation, warrants for Buckwash’s arrest were issued on Thursday. He turned himself in on the same day and was released after posting a $30,000 secured bond.

Buckwash is facing the following charges:

• Unlawful Sexual Contact with a Person Under the Age of 13 (Felony) – 5 counts
• Sexual Abuse of a Child by a Person of Trust 2nd Degree (Felony) – 5 counts

Delaware State Police detectives are asking anyone who may be a victim, or anyone with information, to contact Detective M. Conway at (320) 365-8411. Tips can also be submitted by sending a private Facebook message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.