David Creech, the principal of the Marshwood Middle School, tendered his resignation this week citing health concerns.
But the sudden departure of the long-time employee of various public schools in Maine happens to coincide with a district employee’s allegation that he had become infatuated with her and harassed her.
The Portland Press Herald was the first outlet to break the news of Creech’s resignation and the unnamed woman’s allegations.
The timing, along with MSAD 35 Superintendent John Caverly’s statement that Creech will not return to the district, suggests that the protection from harassment order the unnamed woman sought played a larger role in the sudden exit than any health issues.
According to the Herald, the unidentified woman alleged that Creech incessantly contacted her outside of working hours and sent her sexually explicit content.
The woman alleged that Creech professed his love for her on multiple occasions, going so far as to pay visits to her residence armed with massage gift certificates.
Creech has denied the woman’s claims through his attorney.
This isn’t the first time Creech has found himself in the midst of controversy.
Back in 2018, he made headlines when he stepped down as principal of Scarborough High School due to a heated dispute over new school start times.
