Former Middle School Principal Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Abuse Over Several Years
Former Delaware middle school principal Tasha Purnell pleaded guilty to two counts of third-degree rape and one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child on Monday. The charges stem from incidents that occurred between 2010 and 2014, while she was a teacher at Stanton Middle School.
Attorney General Kathy Jennings condemned the abuse, emphasizing the profound betrayal of trust when such crimes are committed by individuals responsible for the safety and guidance of children.
Purnell, who later became principal of A.I. Middle School, was suspended and terminated in September 2024 following an investigation. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dropped 16 additional felony charges, recommending a maximum eight-year prison sentence, despite the potential for six to 75 years.
Following her guilty plea, the judge revoked Purnell’s bond, ordering her detention at Delores J. Baylor Correctional Center until sentencing in August.
