No charges in preschool misconduct investigation

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (FOX 5 DC) -- The Howard County State's Attorney's Office will not bring charges after an investigation into inappropriate conduct at an Ellicott City pre-school.

Several parents say their children reported inappropriate behavior by a male staff member at the Glen Mar Early Learning Center at Glen Mar United Methodist Church. The police investigation spanned months.

"After a thorough examination of all the elements in this case, our office has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to move forward at this time," said state's attorney's spokeswoman, Yolanda Vazquez.

The church says the accused employee resigned and two other employees were placed on paid leave. The school's assistant director also resigned, and the director was forced out for failure to report an allegation made by parents of a child at the school last summer.

Three families provided a statement to FOX 5 saying they believe their own children and the others who've made similar abuse allegations.

"We are confused and angered that the police have closed the investigation," the statement reads. "We believe that the police have failed to appreciate what is reflective in the child victim statements and the typical predatory behaviors in which they reported."

The church has only confirmed a "child-related" investigation is underway, but will not elaborate beyond that.

The police investigation began on March 26. The church says the male staffer was put on leave, and on April 4, parents were notified that he resigned.

Rev. Erik Alsgaard, a spokesman for the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church, said attorneys for the church's insurance company have instructed the church not to elaborate on the allegations.

"Right now, we are dealing with accusations," said Rev. Alsgaard in an interview last month. "And the allegations are confidential. We are having email conversations, we've had parent/staff meetings here at the church to share as much information as we possibly can."

He said the church is fully cooperating with the Howard Co. Police Dept.

Parents remain frustrated and angry at how the church has handled the allegations.

"Glen Mar ELC has still not informed prior families and has refused to meet with current families again," said the statement.