$6M Settlement Sends Warning to Schools: Stop Ignoring Predators in the Classroom

The Twin Rivers Unified School District has agreed to a $6 million settlement in a civil lawsuit stemming from sexual abuse by a former teacher at Del Paso Heights Elementary School. The case was brought by the San Jose-based law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard on behalf of a victim, Jane Doe, who was sexually abused by teacher Kim Wilson during the 2014-2015 school year when she was in sixth grade.

According to the lawsuit, Wilson used his position as head of the school’s broadcast group to isolate the young student in a locked, windowless, soundproof room on school grounds, where the abuse took place. All incidents occurred while both the teacher and student were under the supervision of the school district. The lawsuit alleges the District failed to properly monitor Wilson, allowing his predatory behavior to continue unchecked for years.

Attorney Lauren Cerri, representing the victim, called the $6 million settlement a powerful warning to parents, educators, and school officials about the hidden dangers of trusted educators who conceal their abuse behind a facade of mentorship. She emphasized the importance of vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard children, especially as students return to classrooms each new school year.

The investigation revealed troubling details beyond the sexual abuse. In February 2020, fifth-grade students reported Wilson’s verbal and emotional abuse, including racist slurs, name-calling, and inappropriate conduct such as spraying students with water. Despite repeated complaints and a district reprimand for violating teaching standards, Wilson was not removed from his position.

In 2021, further allegations arose, including use of racist language and offensive behavior, culminating in another district investigation that again found violations of teaching standards but resulted only in a letter of reprimand. This pattern of inadequate oversight is central to the lawsuit’s claim that the district’s negligence enabled Wilson’s “serial predation” on students.

Wilson was arrested in January 2023 and later pled guilty in 2025 to nine counts of lewd acts upon a child, admitting to abusing multiple victims. He was sentenced to 215 years to life in prison. Authorities found videos and evidence of abuse at both the school and Wilson’s home.

The lawsuit also highlights prior warning signs that went unheeded, such as yard duty supervisors noting Wilson’s suspicious behavior with female students during lunch recesses. Despite these red flags, the district failed to take decisive action to protect students.

Attorney Cerri stressed that stronger supervision and accountability by the district could have prevented much of the abuse. She called on other potential victims to come forward, underscoring the broader implications of the case for schools and communities.

This $6 million settlement stands as a stark reminder of the critical need for schools to rigorously screen, supervise, and monitor staff to ensure student safety. It sends a clear message that failure to act on warning signs not only endangers children but also exposes districts to serious legal and financial consequences. Parents, educators, and administrators are urged to maintain heightened awareness and to foster environments where abuse cannot be concealed or tolerated.