The Tysons branch of an educational service centers chain had a short-lived closure after the franchise owner was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting two students.
A spokeswoman for the Huntington Learning Centers said its branches in Tysons and Springfield both reopened on April 26, one week after they closed.
“They were reopened after we could be assured that the Springfield and Tysons centers were not involved in the incidents alleged,” the spokeswoman said.
Franchise owner Jeffrey Cummins faces eight felony counts of indecent liberties by a custodian against children, and the abuse allegedly occurred inside Cummins’ home in Annandale.
Eileen Huntington, the chief executive officer of the Huntington Learning Centers, said in a statement:
“Our focus has always been to provide a safe and supportive environment for students. Upon learning of the situation reported, the centers were immediately closed until we could be assured that the Springfield and Tysons centers were not involved in the incidents alleged, that all students were safe, and that they will continue to be in the future. After confirmation, both centers reopened. We look forward to continuing our mission to provide every student with the best education possible.”
The Tysons facility operates in the Centennial Plaza shopping center at 8290 Old Courthouse Road. According to the company’s website, the facility has been open for 23 years.
The spokeswoman did not respond to questions from Tysons Reporter about how many kids were affected by the closure.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney said that because the victims in the case are under the age of 18, the case is first going to the juvenile domestic court for a preliminary hearing scheduled for August 22.
After the preliminary hearing, depending on the judge’s determination, the case could be sent to the circuit court.
Fairfax County police have arrested Jeffrey Cummins, owner of the Huntington Learning Centers franchises in Tysons and Springfield, on charges of sexually abusing two former students.
Cummins is a music teacher who gives lessons in his Annandale home and, in addition to the Huntington Learning Centers, is the founder and artistic director of Virginia Music Adventures — a music group for school-age children — according to a police report.
Police say Cummins, 56, was arrested on arrival at Dulles airport from international travel and is facing eight felony counts of indecent liberties by a custodian against children. Per a FCPD press release:
Detectives began their investigation in May 2018 when a juvenile disclosed that he had been inappropriately touched by Cummins over a period of several years. In January of this year, another victim came forward and disclosed he had also been abused for several years by Cummins. The investigation showed that the sexual abuse occurred both during music lessons and at other times when the juveniles were at his home.
Police say anyone who is concerned their child may have had inappropriate contact with Cummins should contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800.
Photo via Fairfax County Police Department
(Updated at 11:25 a.m.) Fairfax County Police are on the lookout for a “suspicious man and woman” in a white van who tried to lure a young girl with the promise of a treat.
The incident happened after school dismissal Monday, several blocks from Pine Spring Elementary School in the Falls Church section of Fairfax County.
Police say the girl’s brother moved his sister away from the van and the siblings arrived home safely, reporting the incident to their parents who in turn notified the school on Tuesday.
Late Wednesday morning police released a sketch of the female suspect.
More from an FCPD press release:
Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau are investigating a suspicious man and woman that approached a young girl in the Pine Spring Neighborhood in the Falls Church area of Fairfax County. The preliminary investigation shows a girl was walking home from elementary school with her adult brother yesterday afternoon around 3:45. They were approached by a man and a woman at the intersection of Pine Spring Road and Meadow View Road. The pair offered a treat to the girl and motioned her towards them. The brother moved his sister away from the pair. The siblings made it home safely and reported the incident to their mom. Their mom reported it to Pine Spring Elementary School employees today, and they immediately called us.
The woman is described as white, between 40 and 50 years old, 5’2″, 140 pounds, with shoulder length straight blonde or grey hair. She was wearing black pants and a white jacket with a hood. Our initial description of the man is only that he is between 40 and 50 years old with short hair. The couple is believed to have been driving a newer model white passenger van, with a yellow license plate.
Detectives are asking for anyone with information or have encountered this similar circumstances to contact us at 703-246-7800. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by visiting http://www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org, or calling 1-866-411-TIPS. They can also be sent in via text by texting “TIP187” plus the message to CRIMES (274637). Text STOP to 274637 to cancel, or HELP to 274637 for help. Message and data rates may apply. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1000 if their information leads to an arrest.
Map via Google Maps
