COLUMBIA, Md. — A former Howard County teaching assistant is facing criminal charges for sex crimes involving a student, police said.
Divaughn Vanez Furby, 29, of Columbia was working at Wilde Lake High School when he allegedly had a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student.
According to police, their investigation began with Furby after authorities received information that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor. After further investigation and interviews with the victim and others, along with analyzing cell phone data, police charged Furby with multiple counts of sex offenses.
Police said that they believe the crimes occurred outside of school property.
Furby, according to officials, has not been employed by the Howard County School system since August 2019. Authorities said he had been employed by the Roger Carter Community Center in Ellicott City but was let go upon being arrested.
Anyone who has information or has had contact with Furby that may be related to the investigation should contact police at 410-313-STOP.
Back in December, a 29-year-old teacher at Bowie High School faced charges with the connection with the sexual abuse of a female student at the school, police said.
RELATED: Bowie High School teacher arrested, charged with sexual abuse of female student, police say
The teacher, identified as K. Sean Donovan, Jr. of Upper Marlboro, faced charges of sexual abuse of a minor, third-degree sex offense, and related charges.
According to police, on Dec. 1, 2019, the Prince George's County Police Department launched an investigation after the female student reported to a family member that she and Donovan, Jr. were having a relationship.
The investigation revealed that Donovan, Jr. and the female student were engaged in sexual contact on school grounds multiple times since May 2019, with the most recent incident taking place in late November.
Police said at this time, this is the only reported case involving Donovan, Jr.
