As readers in Memphis, Tennessee, well know, the sexual abuse of a child can have serious effects on a child’s life. However, the same holds true when a person is wrongfully convicted of child sexual abuse. This is especially true for those who work with children everyday, such as school teachers. When allegations involve inappropriate sexual contact by a teacher, the school district has an interest in acting quickly to remove the teacher in order to prevent any further abuse if it is in fact happening. As a result, it is extremely important for adults who are in these situations to know their rights, as it can seem as if the cards are stacked against them from the very beginning.
A school teacher in another state has been accused of allegedly engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with five children, as well as a female co-worker. There were previous reports of alleged sexual misconduct involving the teacher four years ago and eight years ago, but according to the superintendent’s opinion, the principal at the time failed to report the allegations.
The teacher has pled not guilty to a total of 15 felony counts against him. In March, upon reports made to the police by the alleged victims’ parents, he was immediately removed from the school. The extensive investigation has compiled over 70 interviews.
Unfortunately for the teacher, there was a recent similar case involving the sexual assault of a student by a teacher where the district was held liable for $6.9 million. Undoubtedly, the school district will be looking after its own interests in this case, and not those of the teacher.
Wrongfully accused persons can feel all alone, as the people and employers around them will have their own interests to look out for. It is therefore imperative for those accused of sexual assault to know their legal rights and defenses. Otherwise, an innocent person could spend several years in prison, with their reputation forever scarred as a sexual abuser.
Source: ABC News, “Sex Abuse Claims Made Against Los Angeles Teacher,” Greg Risling, Jan. 25, 2013
