Delaware Middle School Principal Admits to Years of Student Sexual Abuse

A principal at a middle school in Delaware faces a significant prison sentence after confessing to sexually assaulting a pupil over a number of years.

44-year-old Tasha Purnell entered a guilty plea on Monday to one count of ongoing sexual abuse of a minor and two counts of third-degree rape. 16 more felony charges were dismissed by the prosecution in exchange for her plea. A judge denied her bail after the hearing, and she is currently being detained at the Delores J. Baylor Correctional Center for sentencing.

The abuse started when the victim was under 16 and continued until 2014, according to the Delaware Department of Justice. Under the alias Tasha Oliver, Purnell was a teacher at Stanton Middle School at the time. After being appointed to the position of principal of A.I. Middle School in 2020, she remained in that position until her dismissal in September 2024. Located close to Wilmington, both schools are a member of the Red Clay Consolidated School District.

According to public documents, Purnell was put on leave in September 2023 but continued to be paid. Only months later, when the matter was covered by a local media outlet, were parents and employees made aware of the inquiry and her indictment.

Although the accusations permit a sentence ranging from six to seventy-five years, prosecutors are recommending a maximum of eight years. August is when sentencing is scheduled.