Two Sussex Central teachers charged with sexual misconduct

John George Rainis, 24, was charged Wednesday, June 3, with one count each of sexual extortion and unlawful sexual contact. Rainis was employed as a full-time substitute teacher and athletic trainer at the school.

Rainis came to the attention of the state police after rumors circulated that Rainis had an inappropriate relationship with a female student. State troopers learned that while the student was receiving treatment for an athletic injury, Rainis allegedly touched her inappropriately.

When she attempted to stop his advances, Rainis reminded her that he was the only one who could clear her to participate in her sport.

Police officials believe this occurred several times in the school training room in March.

The state police obtained and executed a search warrant for the school and Rainis’s home in Lewes. Electronic devices were removed from the home for forensic examination, which will be conducted by the State Police High Technology Crimes Unit.

Rainis was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court in Lewes and committed to the Department of Correction in default of a $7,000 cash bail.

Rainis’s arrest wasn’t the only disturbing news to come out of Sussex Central this week. One day earlier, Tuesday, June 2, state police arrested teacher John O. Thompson, 26, for one count of first-degree rape and one count of unlawful sexual contact.

Thompson, a Dagsboro resident, was arrested at Sussex Central after police received information from the school administration. The administration found out, after two students came forward and told them, that Thompson had a sexual relationship with a student.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for Thompson’s residence and car and obtained evidence linking Thompson to the inappropriate relationship he had with the student.

Police officials say the sexual assault took place at Thompson’s residence, and evidence also indicated inappropriate contact took place in Thompson’s car. State troopers believe this sexual assault took place while the two were driving in the Long Neck area sometime in May. Thompson was also arraigned at the Justice of the Peace Court in Lewes. Bail was set at $5,500 secured for his appearance in the Court of Common Pleas in Georgetown for a preliminary hearing.