Woodbridge Teacher On Leave After Loudoun Sex Crime Charge

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A Woodbridge Senior High School music teacher and choir director has been charged with a child sex crime in Loudoun County.

Virginia State Police arrested Joel A. Shapiro, 32, of Prince William County last Thursday in relation to a 2017 incident in the Town of Leesburg. Shapiro is charged with a felony count of taking indecent liberties with a child by a custodian. At the time of the crime, state police say Shapiro worked for Clark County Public Schools.

State police started investigating the 2017 incident in July 2023 after an allegation was made against Shapiro.

Shapiro has led the choir at Woodbridge Senior High School since fall 2017, according to the choir's website. In a message to families, Principal Heather Abney said Shapiro was on administrative leave, the Loudoun Times reported. Although the crime did not occur when Shapiro worked at Prince William County Public Schools, the school system is assisting with the investigation.

Since his arrest, Shapiro was released on bond from the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.

Anyone with information about the investigation can contact Virginia State Police at 703-803-2676 or questions@vsp.virginia.gov.