An Alabama teacher who was also a foster parent is facing charges for sexually abusing a toddler who was in his care at the time, according to the local sheriff’s office.
Edward Stanley Kramarczyk, a 53-year-old high school teacher in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, was arrested by the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) on September 28 on charges of Sexual abuse of a child under 12 and first-degree sodomy Captain Jack Kennedy told local media on Saturday.
The victim’s exact age has not been released and he was not a student at Hillcrest High School where Kramaczyk was arrested.
In addition to his teaching position, Kramaczyk had access to children through his previous role as a foster parent and “other social groups,” according to the TCSO Violent Crimes Unit (VCU), which is investigating the case.
Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office
Weekly newspaper CNN reached out to TCSO via email and Facebook on Sunday for comment. As of Sunday evening, jail records did not list an attorney who could speak on Kramacik’s behalf.
The Virginia Commonwealth University Sexual Assault Unit received a call last week from a child stating she had been sexually abused at Kramacik’s home and in his care. Deputies initiated an investigation and notified the Tuscaloosa County School System (TCSS).
TCSS Superintendent Keri C. Johnson released a statement to Hillcrest students and staff, which was obtained by local station WVTM 13. Johnson said TCSS was aware of the criminal investigation and identified Kramarczyk as a career technical education teacher. As of this year, he was “new to the system,” she said in a statement. Officials did not say whether he had been placed on leave.
“Under Alabama law, the superintendent can place an employee on administrative leave pending a criminal investigation,” she said. “However, we cannot legally share any employee’s personnel information. Again, while these allegations do not stem from anything that occurred at the school, it is extremely concerning any time a school employee is involved in a criminal investigation. Please know that student safety is our top priority.”
Weekly newspaper TCSS was contacted via email Sunday for comment and additional information.
TCSO is investigating whether there are additional victims and encourages anyone with information to call VCU at 205-464-8690. TCSO told local media the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed.
As of Sunday evening, Kramaczyk remained in jail without bail pending his evaluation in court.
