Baltimore Teacher Charged With Sexual Solicitation Of A Minor

BALTIMORE, MD — A private school teacher in Baltimore is in jail and facing several charges, including sexual solicitation of a minor.

Mark Planamente, 38, of Parkville has also been charged with displaying obscene material to a minor, according to Maryland State Police. He was arrested at his home just before 11 p.m. Friday.

Police said he was taken before a court commissioner for an initial appearance and is being held without bond. Additional charges are possible pending further investigation.

Authorities said they began investigating Planamente on Friday after the Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit received a referral reporting an alleged inappropriate online relationship between a juvenile female and her former teacher. An immediate investigation was launched.

The investigation led to the identification of Planamente and the recovery of evidence that enabled investigators to obtain a search warrant for his Parkville home, police said.

Investigators said they recovered electronic devices that are being forensically examined. Additional charges are pending the outcome of digital forensics, interviews and further investigation.

During the investigation, troopers said they learned that Planamente was previously employed as a teacher in the Baltimore County Public School System and at The Catholic High School of Baltimore.

At the time of his arrest, he was a teacher at Sisters Academy of Baltimore. Over the weekend, the school issued the following statement:

This weekend, Sisters Academy of Baltimore learned of an allegation of an inappropriate online relationship between 6-8th grade social studies teacher, Mr. Mark Planamenta, and a former student from a previous school with no connection to Sisters Academy of Baltimore. Mr. Planamente was subsequently arrested by Maryland State Police and charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and displaying obscene material to a minor.

During Mr. Planamente's brief 11-week tenure at Sisters Academy there have been no incidents or reports of misconduct of any kind involving Mr. Planamente. Upon learning of his arrests, Sisters Academy of Baltimore immediately terminated the school's employment contract with Mr. Planamente.

Working together, we will support our school community as we prayerfully reflect upon and respond to the crisis at hand, while focusing on continued excellence in teacher and learning, and supporting a smooth transition to a new social studies teacher in the coming weeks.

Above all, Sisters Academy of Baltimore remains committed to protecting children and to providing a safe and healthy environment in which the students can learn.

School officials are assisting Maryland State Police in the investigation, authorities said.

The Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, Baltimore City Police Department and the Baltimore County Police Department is also assisting with the case.

Investigators said they are urging anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Maryland State Police assigned to the Computer Crimes Unit/Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at 410-694-4773. Callers may remain confidential.