Baltimore County, MD – July 3, 2025 – A disturbing incident has rocked the Baltimore County school community after 30-year-old Donovan Michaud, a building service worker at Overlea High School, was arrested and charged for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student.
The Baltimore County Police Department’s Crimes Against Children Unit (CACU) launched an investigation after receiving reports regarding Michaud’s alleged misconduct with a student at the high school. Following a thorough investigation, detectives arrested Michaud on July 3, 2025, and he now faces multiple counts of fourth-degree sex offense—a charge that typically involves sexual contact with minors by authority figures, including school employees.
Details of the Arrest
According to investigators, the inappropriate relationship came to light through a report made to school officials, which was then passed on to law enforcement. Detectives from the CACU immediately began gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and working in close coordination with school administrators to ensure the safety and well-being of students.
The charges against Michaud are serious and underscore the abuse of power and trust inherent in cases where school employees exploit their positions to engage with students inappropriately. Michaud was booked into the Baltimore County Detention Center and was initially held without bond, pending a bail hearing.
🏫 Overlea High School Response
Overlea High School, located in northeastern Baltimore County, is a public secondary school with a diverse student population. Officials with Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) released a brief statement acknowledging the arrest and confirming that Michaud was immediately removed from campus and placed on administrative leave upon the start of the investigation.
“The safety of our students is our top priority,” the statement read. “We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and taking all necessary steps to support affected students and families.”
The school has also made counseling and crisis resources available to students, staff, and families who may be impacted by the incident.
⚖️ Legal and Community Impact
Fourth-degree sex offense in Maryland can involve sexual contact without consent or between an adult and a minor, particularly where the adult holds a position of authority. If convicted, Michaud could face jail time, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and other long-term legal consequences.
Parents and community members have reacted with a mix of shock, anger, and concern, calling for more stringent safeguards within the school system and increased oversight of all personnel who have access to students.
One concerned parent stated,
“We trust schools to be a safe place for our kids. This kind of betrayal is horrifying.”
🕵️ Ongoing Investigation
The Baltimore County Police Department has emphasized that the investigation is still ongoing. Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have additional information or concerns about Donovan Michaud—or any other potential victims—to come forward.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to Baltimore County Crimes Against Children Unit or through the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line.
📢 Community Resources
In response to the incident, local child advocacy groups and mental health professionals are reminding parents and guardians to speak openly with their children about appropriate boundaries, to monitor changes in behavior, and to seek help if they suspect abuse.
📝 Summary
- Suspect: Donovan Michaud, 30
- Position: Building service worker at Overlea High School
- Charges: Multiple counts of fourth-degree sex offense
- Held at: Baltimore County Detention Center without bond (initially)
- Investigation by: Baltimore County Police Crimes Against Children Unit
As the legal process unfolds, Baltimore County Public Schools and local law enforcement remain under public scrutiny to ensure that this kind of incident is handled transparently and that strong protections are enforced to prevent future occurrences.
This case serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance, accountability, and community involvement when it comes to safeguarding the well-being of students.