Three Women and a Boy

(Germantown, Maryland) Three women have been arrested for engaging in sex with a 16-year-old boy who was under care at the M.S. Youth Services group home in Germantown. Each has been charged with one count of sex abuse of a minor.

Thirty-two-year-old long-term substitute teacher at Clarksburg High School, Joy Morrow-Hargrove, is accused of having the boy over to her house for sex. Morrow-Hargrove no longer works for the school system.

While investigating Morrow-Hargrove, police found that 38-year-old Koreene Avery, also of Germantown, and 24-year-old Robin Lawrence, of Temple Hills, also engaged in sex with the boy. Avery and Lawrence worked as counselors at the M.S. Youth Services group home where the sex allegedly occurred.

Police believe that there may be more victims.

Morrow-Hargrove, Avery and Lawrence were booked and released on bond.


[Update]

According to this report, Joy Morrow-Hargrove was a Spanish teacher who was "immediately relieved" of her duties when the allegations surfaced and the investigation began when Montgomery County Police were alerted by a social worker. Also, the full names of the counselors are Koreene Allyn Avery and Robin Denise Lawrence.

Lastly, and ironically, the M.S. Youth Services Group Home is state-licensed and advertised as a safe alternative living home for neglected and abused boys. I guess it depends on how one defines "safe."

Tip: Don Morgenstern


[Update 04/17/07]

State's attorney drops charges against Joy Morrow-Hargrove due to insufficient evidence.


[Update 09/27/07]

Lawrence pleads guilty. Sentencing in November.