A prominent preschool owner and children’s advocacy leader in Virginia Beach is facing serious criminal charges, including three felony counts of rape.

According to WAVY.com, Michael Thomas Pope, 57, co-owner of The Goddard School of Lynnhaven and president of Virginia Beach CASA, was arrested Sept. 15 following allegations that he raped a woman on Aug. 3. Court documents show Pope is also charged with sexual penetration with an object and forcible sodomy.

Court filings indicate the alleged assault occurred “against her will and by use of force, threat, intimidation or through use of such person’s physical helplessness or mental incapacity.” Pope was taken into custody and is being held without bond due to the seriousness of the offenses. He is scheduled for a court appearance on Oct. 6.

Allegations detailed in court records

Investigators stated Pope consulted an attorney after learning there were “potential capias matters” surrounding the allegations. Shortly afterwards, documents show he surrendered to authorities voluntarily.

In a bail hearing, Pope claimed the accusations may be connected to what he described as a “false accusation” from a year earlier that he said he did not think was legally moving forward. He has not entered a plea.

Pope’s bail determination also noted that he has lived in Virginia Beach since 1970 and that he operated multiple schools, including the Lynnhaven preschool location where his wife remains listed as owner. Prosecutors emphasized the weight of the allegations in seeking to keep him detained.

Preschool franchise issues public statement

Following his arrest, The Goddard School franchise system released a statement confirming that the allegations are unrelated to the Lynnhaven preschool or children enrolled there. Management stressed that children’s safety remains the highest priority across all locations.

The company added that Pope “will not be on school property” during the ongoing legal process. His wife continues to be listed as owner of the Lynnhaven site on the official school website.

Chas Kurtz, a spokesperson for Goddard Systems, underscored that franchise leadership is actively reviewing information and will continue to monitor developments. The preschool chain emphasized that parents and staff should know the matter does not involve children enrolled at the school.

Advocacy group accepts resignation

Beyond his preschool operations, Pope had been a longtime leader with Virginia Beach CASA, a nonprofit that provides court-appointed special advocates for abused or neglected children. On Sept. 19, the organization announced it had accepted his resignation as board president and from its board of directors.

Virginia Beach CASA said Pope’s resignation was tied to personal matters and not his work with the organization. The group emphasized that its operations and mission remain unaffected and fully active.

“Board leadership acted swiftly to safeguard the integrity of the program and ensure strong leadership,” Kate Kosky, CASA’s CEO, said in a statement. She reaffirmed the nonprofit’s focus on advocating for children in the court system.

Why This Story Matters

This case strikes a nerve because it involves someone who built a reputation around caring for and supporting children. It calls into question how well the public scrutinizes authority figures in sensitive roles. Community awareness and transparency are essential, especially when allegations involve exploitation or abuse. Reporting and discussing these matters—while difficult—helps ensure accountability and protect others from harm.

Conclusion

Michael Thomas Pope, 57, was arrested Sept. 15, 2025, on three felony charges stemming from a reported assault that occurred in August 2024. The charges include rape, sexual penetration with an object, and forcible sodomy, with court documents indicating the victim was subjected to force or could not give legal consent. Pope turned himself in and remains in custody without bond.

He has stepped away from his role at Virginia Beach CASA and is no longer permitted on school grounds at The Goddard School of Lynnhaven, where his wife remains listed as the owner. Goddard Systems has clarified that no children or classrooms were involved in the case. CASA leadership emphasized that their operations remain intact and mission-focused despite the disruption.