Norristown Early Education Teacher Arrested After Child Sex Charges

NORRISTOWN, PA -- An early education teacher at a Catholic school in Norristown has been arrested after allegations that he sexually assaulted a three-year-old girl.

Michael Burbee, 32, of Yeadon, was arrested Friday, Feb. 10 and has been charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault of a minor, and related counts, according to court documents.

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia confirmed Barbee's arrest and said that he had been placed on administrative leave.

"These charges are serious and disturbing," Ken Gavin, a spokesperson for the Archdiocese, said in a statement. "The Archdiocese is cooperating fully with law enforcement regarding this matter and remains fervently committed to preventing child abuse as well as protecting the children and young people entrusted to its care."

Gavin said that there were no prior indications that Barbee had been involved in any kind of deviant activity. Barbee passed a criminal background check when he was hired in 2015, which included child abuse clearances and relevant training programs.

Barbee was taken to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility after he failed to make $750,000 bail, court documents state.

Anyone with information on this incident or other sexual abuse cases should contact Norristown police at 610-270-0977.

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