Michael Pope, co-owner of the Goddard School of Lynnhaven in Virginia Beach, was arrested Sunday on charges including rape and forcible sodomy. The allegations date back to August 2024.
Court records reveal that Pope learned of the charges while out of state. He was indicted on September 15 and subsequently arrested by Virginia Beach police on September 21. According to court documents, Pope believes these accusations may have originated from a previous false claim he did not expect to proceed legally.
The Goddard Systems LLC, which oversees the school, issued a statement assuring that the safety of children remains their top priority. They confirmed the charges do not involve any children or the school itself. The co-owner has been barred from school property during the ongoing legal proceedings.
Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi is serving as the special prosecutor on the case and will present evidence in court to support the charges.
Pope is currently held in jail without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on September 26 for a bond hearing.
