Former Arlington substitute teacher sentenced to 5 years for sex crime against minor

A former Arlington County substitute teacher, Timothy McGhee, was sentenced to five years in prison for a sex offense involving a minor, according to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, FOX 5 DC reported.

McGhee was convicted of indecent liberties with a minor following a three-day trial where evidence showed an inappropriate relationship with a student that began when she was underage. A previous trial in 2025 ended in a mistrial due to a hung jury, the report said.

The Arlington County Police Department started investigating McGhee after allegations surfaced that he had a relationship with a 16-year-old student. In 2022, McGhee worked as the student's long-term substitute teacher at Washington & Liberty High School and later became her private math tutor.

The relationship reportedly lasted about two years, with frequent contact outside of school. As part of his sentence, McGhee must register as a sex offender, complete treatment, undergo electronic monitoring after release, and serve three years of probation, FOX 5 DC noted.

Authorities highlighted McGhee's extensive history of interactions with minors, including volunteer work with youth groups at a local church and substitute teaching in a neighboring jurisdiction. The Commonwealth's Attorney emphasized the breach of trust involved in such cases.