For Immediate Release: August 2, 2022

ALEXANDRIA, VA.--The Alexandria Police Department's Special Victims Unit is actively investigating an incident in which an adult male was arrested for the sexual assault of a victim under 13 years of age.

Mr. Tae’Sean Atwater, 21, is suspected and charged with the sexual assault of a victim under the age of 13 and is currently being held at the Alexandria Adult Detention Center.

While the preliminary investigation has not uncovered evidence of inappropriate contact with other children, Mr. Atwater has been a camp counselor with Campagna Kids since 2019. Mr. Atwater has worked at multiple Campagna Kids sites including Patrick Henry Elementary School summer camp, Samuel Tucker Elementary in the before-school program, and George Mason Elementary in the after-school programs. We are asking if anyone has information related to this incident and/or if there is information leading to any other possible past inappropriate encounters with him to please contact APD Detective Jason Marable by phone at 703.746.6883, email at Jason.Marable@AlexandriaVA.gov or call our non-emergency number at 703.746.4444. Tips can be anonymous.

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This news may lead survivors of sexual assault to feel retraumatized, it is important for survivors to know that it is not their fault and help is available. The City’s Sexual Assault Center offers services including a 24/7 hotline, individual counseling, support groups, family support information, and referral services. Call the hotline at 703.683.7273 to access these and additional services or visit the website at alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence.

If parents are looking for resources to talk with their kids about this subject please visit: Alexandriava.gov/go/3860

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For media inquiries, contact Marcel Bassett, Public Information Officer, at Marcel.Bassett@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.6600.

This news release is available at: Alexandriava.gov/go/3859