Wilmington, DE – A former elementary school teacher turned himself in Thursday after being charged with felony child sexual abuse involving multiple students at a Wilmington school.
Vincent Buckwash, 57, was charged with ten felony counts following an investigation into alleged inappropriate contact during the 2023–2024 school year.
The incidents occurred while Buckwash was employed as a teacher at Anna P. Mote Elementary School, and he has since retired from the district.
According to the Delaware State Police, the investigation began in May 2024 when school administrators and the Division of Family Services alerted authorities to several reports of inappropriate behavior involving students. Following the reports, Buckwash was immediately removed from the school and never returned to the classroom.
Detectives say Buckwash engaged in repeated unlawful contact with five students under the age of 13. After consulting with the Delaware Department of Justice, police obtained warrants for his arrest. He surrendered at Delaware State Police Troop 2 on Wednesday and was formally arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 2.
Buckwash was charged with five counts of unlawful sexual contact with a person under 13 and five counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a child by a person of trust. He was released the same day after posting a $30,000 secured bond.
Investigators from the State Police’s Criminal Investigations Unit continue to review the case and are seeking additional information. Anyone with knowledge of the incidents or potential victims is encouraged to contact authorities.
—
Key Points
- Former Wilmington teacher Vincent Buckwash was arrested on ten felony charges involving five students.
- The incidents occurred during the 2023–2024 school year at Anna P. Mote Elementary School.
- Buckwash surrendered to police and was released on $30,000 secured bond pending further investigation.
Retired Delaware teacher charged with repeated abuse of elementary school students.
