Details Emerge In Case Of Norristown Teacher Who Assaulted 3-Year-Old Girl: DA

NORRISTOWN, PA -- Further details have emerged in the case of a Norristown early education teacher accused of sexually assaulting a three-year-old girl at a Catholic school.

Michael Barbee, 32, of Yeadon, is being charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault, and related counts in connection with an incident at Saint Francis of Assisi School.

Barbee was a teacher in the the victim's classroom in the school's Early Learning Center, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, the victim was allegedly complaining of physical discomfort during nap time, the affidavit states.

Barbee went over to her and the victim called him "stupid," police said. That's when Barbee put his hand in her pants for ten seconds until the victim said "ouch," according to a statement he gave police.

According to Ken Gavin, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Barbee has been put on administrative leave.

"There were no prior indications that Mr. Barbee was involved in activity of this nature," Gavin said in a statement. "Prior to beginning his term of employment with Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, appropriate criminal background checks as well as child abuse clearances had been obtained and he completed mandatory Safe Environment Training programs."

Saint Francis of Assisi School is located on 601 Buttonwood Street in Norristown.

Anyone who has any additional information regarding victims or this incident should contact Norristown police at 610-270-0977.

Image courtesy Montgomery County District Attorney's Office