VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The co-owner of a local early childhood education center accused of rape was granted bond during a hearing Friday morning.

Michael Pope, 57, was arrested on Sept. 21. He is the co-owner of The Goddard School of Lynnhaven in Virginia Beach.

In court Friday, it was revealed Pope is charged with rape, object sexual penetration and forcible sodomy in connection with an alleged incident that happened in August of 2024 — charges Pope disputes. Prosecutors claim the victim is an adult relative of Pope's wife.

Prosecutors laid out what they believe happened the night of the alleged incident during Friday's hearing: Pope's wife's relative went to the Pope's home for a pool party. Once other relatives started leaving, the relative stayed in the pool, prosecutors say.

At som

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