Gar-Field Track Coach, Former Substitute Teacher Arrested for Relationship with Student

In a letter sent home to parents and students Friday, Gar-Field Senior High School principal William Bixby alerted the community of misconduct by a track coach who was also a substitute teacher. 

Bixby said in the letter that the school alerted Prince William County police on April 6 about a relationship with Eric Lewis and a now 17-year-old female Potomac High School student. As a result of that relationship, Lewis faces several criminal charges, Bixby said. Bixby said Lewis worked as a track coach at Gar-Field in 2008, 2010 and 2011. Lewis, a 27-year-old Quantico resident, was also a substitute teacher at the school in 2007 and 2008. 

Prince William County Police have charged Lewis with two counts of crimes against nature and two counts of carnal knowledge. Lewis' court date is unavailable and he is being held without bond. 

Police spokesperson Jonathan Perok said that the relationship happened in 2008 when Lewis was a substitute teacher at Potomac High School in Dumfries, VA.  

Lewis' temporary employment with Gar-Field and Potomac high schools has been terminated and he is no longer a substitute teacher or coach. Potomac High's principal, Marc Maloney, sent home a similar letter to parents and students. 

"I want to praise the Gar-Field High School students who came forward to report to staff their concerns about Mr. Lewis," wrote Bixby. "Their actions are to be commended."

Last week, was arrested for a sexual relationship with a student. Amato's five classes have since been taken over by substitute Chris Vann.

"It is important for the school community to know that I welcome and take seriously all concerns regarding the safety and well-being of our students," wrote Bixby. "The inappropriate actions of any individual will not be tolerated." 

To read Principal Bixby's letter in full, click the PDF.