Baltimore Catholic school teacher arrested, charged with soliciting sex from a minor student

On February 12, the Maryland State Police reported arresting a Baltimore County man after an investigation led to criminal charges including sexual solicitation of a minor. The accused has been identified as Mark Planamente, 38, of Parkville, Maryland.  He is charged with sexual solicitation of a minor and displaying obscene material to a minor. 

Planamente was arrested shortly before 11:00 p.m. on Friday at his residence.  He was taken before a court commissioner for an initial appearance and is being held without bond. Additional charges are possible pending further investigation.

The investigation began on Friday, February 11 after investigators from 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.

That investigation led to the identification of the suspect and the recovery of evidence that enabled investigators to obtain a search warrant for Planamente’s Parkville home. Investigators 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 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.  School officials were notified and are assisting Maryland State Police in the investigation. 

Yesterday (February 13,) the Sisters Academy released word that the Catholic Middle School for Girls terminated their employment contract with Planamente and sent out a letter to their community.  You can read the Sisters Academy’s full statement here.

Investigators urge 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.

(Source & cover image mugshot: Maryland State Police)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter