Image sources: Mugshot of William Auburn Jones, courtesy of the Anne Arundel County Police Department. Background image of Elvaton Christian Academy, courtesy of Facebook.
William Auburn Jones, 58, of Gambrills, Maryland, has been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing multiple children during his time as a teacher at Elvaton Christian Academy in Millersville, MD.
Jones, known to staff and students as “Mr. Bill,” is no longer employed at the school. At the time of his arrest, he remained listed as the pastor of Jessup Baptist Church. He is also listed online as the founder and president of a missionary organization called Mission Fields International.
Multiple Parents Report Abuse
According to the Anne Arundel County Police Department, the investigation into Jones began on May 1, 2025, when Eastern District officers responded to Elvaton Christian Academy to investigate a reported sexual offense.
While on scene, officers spoke with the mother of a student who reported that a former teacher had engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior toward her child. After a second parent came forward with a similar concern, the Child and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Unit launched a formal investigation. Detectives ultimately identified five victims, now ages 10 to 15—all of whom attended the school while Jones was employed. They were between 7 and 13 years old when the abuse occurred.
Alleged Abuse Spanned Nearly Five Years
Jones was employed by the school from 2020 until his removal on March 27, 2025. According to publicly available case details, the abuse occurred between August 31, 2020, and May 23, 2025. CBS News Baltimore reports that “a 10-year-old, identified in charging documents as Victim A, told police that Jones…touched him inappropriately in the computer lab.” Another victim, a 12-year-old student, reported being abused by Jones from third through sixth grade.
21 Criminal Charges Filed
Jones was arrested on July 25, 2025, by detectives with the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Fugitive Apprehension Team. Prosecutors have filed 21 criminal charges against him, including multiple counts of:
- Sexual abuse of a minor
- Sexual offense in the third degree
- Fourth-degree sexual offense (sexual contact)
- Second-degree assault
On Monday, July 28, 2025, Jones was denied bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 20, 2025.
A Breach of Trust
In an interview with WJZ, Justin Mulcahy of the Anne Arundel County Police emphasized the gravity of the allegations:
“It’s deeply concerning on many levels when you have an individual in a position of authority and trust who has access to children…this is very serious.”
The department continues to investigate and encourages anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact the Anne Arundel County Child Abuse Unit at 410-222-4733 or to submit an anonymous tip at 410-222-4700.
Institutional Accountability
When abuse occurs in settings like schools, churches, or faith-based organizations, civil law gives survivors a path to justice beyond the criminal courts. Institutions that failed to protect children or ignored warning signs may be held legally accountable.
In this case, several organizations could face civil liability:
- Elvaton Christian Academy, which employed Jones for nearly five years and gave him direct access to children
- Jessup Baptist Church, which continued to list him as pastor after he was removed from the school and arrested
- Mission Fields International, through which Jones took youth mission trips to Cambodia and Costa Rica
If any of these institutions ignored red flags from Jones or failed to take meaningful steps to protect children, they may be held civilly liable for the harm that occurred.
Following Jones’s arrest, Elvaton Christian Academy posted on Facebook, “First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected, including students, families, staff and others.”
While messages of support are important, survivors and their families need more than thoughts and prayers. They deserve answers, accountability, and meaningful change from the institutions that were responsible for protecting them.
We Help Survivors Take Action
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of child sexual abuse in cases involving churches, schools, youth programs, and other institutions that failed to act. Our attorneys offer compassionate, trauma-informed legal guidance.
If you or someone you love was harmed by William Auburn Jones or by another trusted adult, know that you deserve justice. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our team is here to help you understand your legal options and take the next step when you’re ready.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.
