October 30, 2026
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Albemarle Police arrest three for failing to report abuse as ACPS employees

Sean Tubbs010 mins

The Albemarle County School Board convenes tonight at 4:30 p.m. in Lane Auditorium for the first of two days of meetings that will be held without the presence of former Rio District Supervisor Jim Dillenbeck. There is a Cabinet retreat scheduled for tomorrow at 9 a.m.

Today’s events kick off with the swearing-in of David Storm as the at-large representative on the seven-member School Board. Storm replaces Allison Spillman who resigned in August. For a further explanation, read Nathan Alderman’s story in a recent C-Ville Weekly.

The regular meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. following a closed meeting. (agenda)

The end of the meeting concludes with a discussion of a four page draft on “Norms and Protocols for the School Board and Superintendent” that seek to establish consensus on how to communicate about school policy. Take a look.

Tomorrow’s retreat agenda includes an update on SOL testing and school accountability and setting new priorities.

Page one of the draft “Norms and Protocols” document (Credit: Albemarle County Public Schools)

Both meetings come as the Albemarle County Police Department continues an investigation into what employees of Albemarle County Public Schools knew about the behavior of former employee Michael J. Swiney, now indicted on 20 felony counts of indecent liberties and aggravated sexual abuse allegedly committed against at least six people.

On October 7, ACPD announced that three former or current ACPS employees have been charged and arrested with failure to report child abuse as required by state law after being indicted by a grand jury.

“Virginia Code § 63.2-1509 requires teachers and other school employees who, in their professional or official capacity, have reason to suspect that a child has been abused or neglected to make a timely report to the appropriate child-protective authorities,” reads the information release sent out at 5:22 p.m.

They are:

  • Joseph Downes McCauley of Charlottesville, VA (former Principal of Hollymead Elementary School)
  • Jhonce Brodie Downs of Crozet, VA (Deputy Chief Human Resources Officer)
  • Erin Eileen Stone of Charlottesville, VA (Title IX Coordinator)

Each person has been indicted on three separate charges of failing to report evidence, a Class 1 misdemeanor. That can result in up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

“The Albemarle County Police Department remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of our victims, especially when they are children. These arrests reflect our unwavering dedication to accountability while conducting thorough investigations,” the release quotes Albemarle County Police Department’s Major Camille Stewart.

ACPD is also asking teachers and other ACPS employees to come forward with information and the release states that investigators understand that some may be reluctant to do so out of fear of reprisal.

“Any teacher or staff member with information concerning past or current suspected child abuse or neglect is encouraged to report those concerns directly to Child Protective Services by calling 434-972-4010 or the statewide Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-552-7096. Reports may be made directly to the appropriate authorities and do not need to be routed through a supervisor or school administrator.”

Dillenbeck resigned on October 7 after the five seated School Board members demanded he leave following comments about personnel made at a September 30 town hall meeting that appear to have been in violation of confidentiality agreements.

Members of the Albemarle Board of Supervisors rarely bring up School Board business during their meetings but Scottsville Supervisor Mike Pruitt addressed the topic of responsibility that comes with being an elected official.

“We say sometimes the buck stops with us, and that is true,” Pruitt said. “And I don’t think we grapple with what that means. It means when something is not executed, it is a position of public trust. And when something goes wrong, it is your fault.”

Pruitt called the School Board’s response to the ongoing crisis “catastrophic” and he has not weighed in publicly because he has not been sure on what he can do.

“Continuing to think about what we can do on this issue, but it’s— we are left with few options,” Pruitt said. “But I, I just want to say very clearly that I join the community in frustration and grief over this disastrous scenario that is unfurling.”

Jack Jouett District Supervisor Sally Duncan did not weigh in from the dais but did sent out an announcement on September 25 calling for an independent investigation and process put in place to ensure those with information come forward.

“ACPS serves almost 20,000 people and their families,” Duncan wrote. “What happens in Central Office affects so many people in this county. Holding it accountable for their misdeeds and ensuring there is a safe and healthy work environment for everyone should be a top priority.”

Cville Right Now is on top of this story. Here are some articles to learn more:

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Paid subscribers cover the cost of conducting research for this article which was originally published in the October 8, 2026 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. This story has been back-dated accordingly. You can either subscribe through Substack or make a charitable contribution.

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