Baltimore teacher arrested on sexual assault charges in 12-year-old's disappearance

BALTIMORE — A Baltimore City school teacher has been arrested on sexual assault charges in connection with a 12-year-old Baltimore County girl who was missing for a week, according to our media partner The Baltimore Banner.

Lewis Laury, 24, was charged with second-degree rape and third-degree sexual assault.

Police said Laury is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with the minor.

The girl was reported missing by Baltimore County police on June 21. She was found a week later at Laury's home, according to charging documents.

Mia Brooks, the girl's mother, told WJZ that her daughter left a note saying she was going to Pennsylvania and not to call police.

“She said, 'I'm not running away,' which made it even more puzzling because you're 12,” Brooks said.

Friends said they believed the girl had met a man in his 20s online.

“People and friends said she was talking to a man in his 20s,” Brooks said.

Brooks told the Banner that while she was “relieved” a suspect had been found, All that matters to her now is her child's “long road ahead.” recovery.”

“There are a lot of unknowns right now,” Brooks said, adding, “My family and I are just happy to have my child home.”

Baltimore County detectives worked with other law enforcement agencies and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to locate her.

According to the school's website, he is a teacher at Merganthaler Vocational and Technical High School in Baltimore.

Laury is being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center.