Former Mental Health Counselor at West Greenville School Arrested on Sex Abuse Charges

Greenville, South Carolina

A former South Carolina Department of Mental Health employee assigned to work at a Greenville County school was arrested on child sex crime charges Friday. Christopher Haines, 42, was accused of sexually abusing a juvenile he was responsible for in his capacity as a mental health counselor at West Greenville School. The juvenile reported the alleged abuse on April 17.

Arrest and Charges

Greenville Police Department detectives from the family crimes unit arrested Haines and charged him with 3rd-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, unlawful conduct toward a child, criminal solicitation of a minor, and 1st-degree assault and battery. The GPD asked anyone with additional information to contact the department at (864) 271-5333.

Investigation Ongoing

The arrest of Haines has sent shockwaves through the community, sparking concerns about the safety and well-being of children in schools. The investigation into the allegations is still ongoing, as authorities work to uncover any additional information and ensure that justice is served.

Community Reacts

The news of Haines’ arrest has left many in the Greenville community reeling. Parents, students, and faculty at West Greenville School are grappling with the disturbing allegations and are calling for swift and thorough action to be taken in response. The safety of children must always be the top priority, and any breaches of trust must be dealt with decisively.

Seeking Justice

As the legal proceedings move forward, it is essential for the voices of the victims to be heard and for the community to come together in support of those affected by such heinous acts. The impact of child sex abuse can be long-lasting and severe, necessitating a comprehensive and empathetic response from law enforcement and support services.