Custodian Had 'Inappropriate Relationship' With Student: Baltimore County Police

OVERLEA, MD — A school custodian is accused of having an "inappropriate relationship" with a student in Baltimore County, police said.

Officers on Thursday identified the suspect as Donovan Samuel Michaud, 30, of Dundalk.

Michaud is a building service worker at Overlea High School. He has worked for Baltimore County Public Schools since 2019, and he has been employed at Overlea High since November 2021. He previously worked at Stemmers Run and Perry Hall middle schools.

"Mr. Michaud is on administrative leave and is barred from BCPS property," Overlea High Principal Monica Sample said in a letter to families.

Charging documents reviewed by WJZ allege that Michaud and a 17-year-old girl exchanged inappropriate photos and once had intimate relations in a classroom after school.

Michaud discussed the investigation with the student and said he "would be the one getting in real trouble," the court papers obtained by WJZ said.

In an interview with investigators, Michaud said he felt like he abused his power as a school employee, the documents viewed by WJZ alleged.

Michaud is represented by an attorney from the public defender's office.

"As is the case with all people charged by the State, Mr. Michaud is presumed innocent of these allegations," Baltimore County District Public Defender James Dills told Patch in an email. "The Office of the Public Defender will continue to investigate all facets of this case. Mr. Michaud looks forward to his day in court."

Online court records show that Judge Ashley Thomas issued an arrest warrant for Michaud on June 3. The warrant was served on June 6, the file says.

The records say Judge Leo Ryan Jr. on June 9 released Michaud on recognizance until his trial.

An indictment against Michaud was filed on June 30, charging him with 13 counts and elevating the case from District Court to the higher Circuit Court.

The file says Michaud faces:

• One count of sex abuse of a minor (Felony)
• 10 counts of fourth-degree sex offense by a person in a position of authority (Misdemeanor)
• One count of displaying obscene material to a minor (Misdemeanor)
• One count of second-degree assault (Misdemeanor)

The indictment alleges that the encounters happened between this Valentine's Day and March 4.

"These charges are disturbing and are a direct violation of our policies and core values," Principal Sample said. "BCPS is fully cooperating with law enforcement on this matter."

Sample said students and staff needing support can contact 443-809-5241 for assistance. She asked anybody with information to call the Baltimore County Police Department Crimes Against Children Unit office at 410-887-7720 or the Department of Social Services at 410-887-8463(TIME).

"We understand that students and staff who know Mr. Michaud may have questions about this news and may need to speak with someone to process their feelings in a safe space," Sample said. "Ensuring a safe environment for our students is our top priority."

Related: Teacher From Bel Air Kissed Students At Perry Hall High: Detective