Sex Abuse Scare at Obama Kids' School: Sidwell Friends Teacher Robert Peterson Charged, Dismissed
The private D.C.-area school, Sidwell Friends, attended by the children of many of Washington's elite, announced Jan. 20 that it placed Robert Peterson of Silver Spring, Md., on leave before the school year began and dismissed him Jan. 14.
Montgomery County charging documents state that the 65-year-old Peterson, who taught seventh and eighth grades, repeatedly invited a male student to his home, showed him pornography and touched him inappropriately. He is charged with sex abuse of a minor and a fourth-degree sex offense.
Peterson's attorney says they expect to challenge the charges.
Peterson also faces charges in Queen Anne's County, where he was director of the Sidwell Friends' summer camp.