The plaintiffs, identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2, allege that Parham used his position of authority to groom and sexually exploit them over an extended period. Jane Doe 1 reportedly endured at least 50 sexual assaults on school property between May and November 2023.

Perhaps most egregious is the claim that school officials were aware that Parham—an adult security guard—actually accompanied Jane Doe 1 to the school prom, an overt red flag that seemingly went unaddressed by administration.

Jane Doe 2 described a similar pattern of grooming that involved inappropriate “play fighting” used as a pretext for unwanted touching and sexualized comments regarding her body.

The lawsuit asserts that these were not isolated incidents. It references a third student from a related legal action (Civil Action No. 24CV067742) who was also allegedly molested by Parham on campus during the fall of 2023.

Central to the lawsuit is the accusation that the Emery Unified School District fostered an environment of “willful blindness.” The complaint alleges that teachers, coaches, and even a principal observed blatant warning signs as early as the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

Attorney Robert Allard, representing the plaintiffs, emphasized that the school district bears a fundamental responsibility for the safety of its students. “School should be a safe place for students to learn and grow—not where trusted adults exploit vulnerable minors,” Allard stated. He argued that the district’s failure to act on clear warning signs “irreparably harmed multiple young women.”

The lawsuit seeks to hold the district accountable for its failure to implement proper oversight and for ignoring the safety protocols designed to prevent exactly this type of predatory behavior. By seeking civil damages, the plaintiffs aim to highlight the catastrophic consequences of institutional silence and ensure that such a breakdown in student protection never recurs within the district.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a young athlete identified as John Doe, who joined the program in April 2021 at eleven years old. The complaint described repeated sexual abuse by former coach Kevin Whitmer. According to the filing, Whitmer engaged in grooming behavior that escalated over time into explicit sexual acts.

The complaint alleged Whitmer instructed the child to sit on his lap and engage in inappropriate physical contact. These interactions reportedly included intimate touching disguised as “massages.” The alleged abuse later escalated into sexual acts that occurred in private locker room settings within team facilities.

A central claim in the lawsuit focused on institutional failure by Sharks Sports & Entertainment, LLC and its subsidiary Sharks Ice, LLC. The complaint argued these organizations failed in their duty to protect young athletes. It asserted they allowed unsupervised locker room access and private electronic communication between coaches and minors.

The lawsuit also described repeated warnings that were allegedly ignored by management. A program supervisor reportedly notified leadership multiple times about Whitmer violating locker room policies. Despite these alerts, no effective corrective action was taken, and enforcement of safety protocols remained inadequate.

The complaint further stated that parents had noticed Whitmer’s unusual conduct around players. Some reportedly observed behavior that made athletes visibly uncomfortable. These concerns, combined with internal warnings, were not addressed in a timely or meaningful way, allowing the alleged abuse to continue unchecked.

The case also pointed to failures in following established safety guidelines set by USA Hockey. These policies are designed to prevent misconduct through supervision requirements and communication restrictions. The lawsuit claimed that these standards were not properly enforced within the organization.

Sharks Sports & Entertainment owns the NHL’s San Jose Sharks and operates several sports facilities in the region. The settlement highlights the importance of strict oversight in youth sports organizations. It also emphasizes the need for consistent enforcement of athlete protection policies.

This case reflects the lasting consequences of institutional negligence and the vulnerability of young athletes. It serves as a reminder that safeguarding measures must be actively implemented, not merely established on paper, to prevent harm and protect participants.

In May 2025, Flaherty’s arrest followed a police-monitored phone call where he allegedly urged the teenager to have an abortion. He sought to protect his reputation and family, the complaint states. Now, he faces serious criminal charges, including forcible rape of a child and assault with intent to commit a felony. Additional charges include unlawful sexual intercourse, highlighting the severity of his alleged actions.

The lawsuit details Flaherty’s grooming behaviors, which included giving Jane Doe special attention and communicating through private messages. He also allegedly offered her rides in his personal vehicle and isolated her in his office. The door was often closed or locked, creating a dangerous environment. These actions, the lawsuit claims, formed a pattern of inappropriate conduct. Charthouse Public Schools failed to address this behavior, despite multiple warnings.

Students, parents, and staff reportedly raised concerns about Flaherty’s actions, but the administration did not respond adequately. In January 2025, a parent reported that their daughter felt uneasy about Flaherty’s inappropriate attention. Another report claimed he allowed students to vape in his office. Rumors swirled about Flaherty providing alcohol to students and engaging in an affair with a student. Executive Director Catherine Foster allegedly dismissed these concerns as baseless, allowing the misconduct to continue unchecked.

The lawsuit argues that Charthouse Public Schools neglected its legal duties under California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. The school failed to report suspicions of abuse to law enforcement or child protective services. No investigations were conducted, and Flaherty faced no discipline. This inaction, the complaint asserts, enabled the alleged assault to occur.

Beyond failing to act on reports, the school breached its duty to ensure a safe learning environment. The lawsuit claims Charthouse did not properly screen or supervise Flaherty. It also neglected to train staff to recognize and prevent grooming behaviors. These failures left students vulnerable to harm.

Attorney Lauren Cerri, representing Jane Doe, emphasized the broader implications of the case. “This highlights systemic failures in ensuring student safety,” she said. Schools must adopt stronger policies to protect students from abuse, she urged. Proactive measures, including better training and oversight, are essential to prevent such incidents.

The lawsuit seeks to hold Charthouse Public Schools accountable for its alleged negligence. It underscores the need for schools to prioritize student safety above all else. By failing to act on clear warning signs, the administration allowed a dangerous situation to escalate. The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inaction.

Jane Doe’s experience has sparked calls for reform within Charthouse Public Schools and beyond. Schools must enforce robust policies to detect and address inappropriate behavior. The lawsuit aims to ensure such failures are not repeated. It also seeks justice for a student whose trust was betrayed. As the case moves forward, it raises critical questions about accountability in educational institutions. Protecting students requires vigilance, training, and a commitment to act swiftly on concerns. Only then can schools truly provide a safe environment for learning.

The first lawsuit involves a current student, identified only as Jane Doe. She claims she was groomed and sexually assaulted by her woodshop instructor, Paul Spinetti, during the 2024-2025 academic year. The student was a freshman enrolled in special education classes at the time of the alleged abuse.

According to the complaint, after disclosing the assault to her mother, law enforcement was notified and Spinetti was arrested on felony charges related to lewd and lascivious acts. The lawsuit accuses the district of ignoring prior allegations and rumors about Spinetti’s inappropriate behavior, which dated back several years. These included inappropriate touching, sexually suggestive gifts made in class, and comments targeted at female students. Despite multiple reports from students and parents over the years, no investigations or disciplinary actions were reportedly taken by the district, nor were authorities or child protective agencies informed as required by law.

Parallel to this case, another Jane Doe, a former student, filed a lawsuit regarding abuse she alleges occurred during her junior and senior years (2015-2017) at Terra Nova High. She claims that her chemistry teacher, Ross Robert Ellison, exploited his position to groom her through special attention such as private meetings, lunches, personal emails, rides off campus, and conversations outside school hours. The grooming escalated to sexual assault off school grounds. The abuse, according to the lawsuit, was widely known among students, evidenced by public displays of affection, his attendance at school events with her, and frequent solitary encounters in his classroom. After the student graduated, the school was reportedly made aware of the abuse by another student but took minimal action. Ellison resigned or was terminated soon afterward, although he still holds a valid California teaching credential.

Both lawsuits claim the district was aware of the teachers’ grooming and abusive behaviors yet failed to properly screen, supervise, investigate, or report the conduct. The law firm asserts that the district neglected its responsibility by overlooking complaints, failing to provide staff training on detecting grooming behavior, inadequately monitoring classrooms, and protecting its reputation at the expense of student safety.

“These cases reveal a disturbing pattern of negligence and oversight by the district that allowed predatory behavior to continue unchecked, leaving vulnerable students exposed to harm,” said attorney Lauren Cerri.

The lawsuits seek accountability and highlight the need for systemic changes to ensure student welfare is prioritized in district policies and practices.

According to the complaint, the abuse began in the 2001-2002 school year when Waldorf arranged for Jane Doe 1, then a sophomore, to be tutored by Davis through One Smart Kid. Davis allegedly used his authority and access to groom Jane Doe 1, holding tutoring sessions in isolated classrooms, discussing his own sexual experiences, and initiating inappropriate physical contact. The grooming escalated to repeated sexual abuse on school grounds. The lawsuit details a particularly egregious incident in which a school administrator discovered Jane Doe 1 disheveled with Davis in a secluded area but failed to investigate or report the incident to authorities. Despite this warning sign, Davis continued to abuse Jane Doe 1 throughout her junior year.

The following school year, instead of removing Davis, Waldorf offered him a part-time teaching position. During the 2003-2004 academic year, Davis allegedly used his new role to groom Jane Doe 2, then a sophomore, eventually leading to multiple sexual assaults. The lawsuit claims Davis would drive Jane Doe 2 home after school events and sexually assault her during these drives or at his apartment. The pattern of abuse mirrored his earlier conduct with Jane Doe 1, suggesting a repeated failure by the school and the tutoring company to recognize or act on red flags.

The complaint asserts that both the San Francisco Waldorf School and One Smart Kid were negligent in hiring, supervising, and retaining Davis, even after clear warning signs and opportunities to intervene. It further alleges that the institutions failed to fulfill their legal obligation to report suspected child abuse, even after Jane Doe 1 disclosed the abuse years later to a teacher. Rather than supporting the victim or alerting authorities, the school allegedly dismissed her concerns and failed to take any action.

Attorney Mark Boskovich, representing the plaintiffs, stated, “This lawsuit isn’t just about the past; it’s a critical call for all educational institutions to rigorously vet, supervise, and act decisively to protect students. When that duty is breached, the harm to the victims is lifelong and demands redress”.

The case highlights broader concerns about institutional responsibility and the long-term impact of childhood sexual abuse, underscoring the need for schools and educational organizations to prioritize student safety and respond decisively to allegations of misconduct.

The complaint detailed how Edelman, then a teacher and counselor at the prestigious Lowell High School, began “grooming” the student under the pretense of academic mentorship. Edelman offered rides home, bought meals and gifts, and presented himself as a trusted adult invested in Doe’s success. According to the lawsuit, school officials ignored warning signs and failed to intervene, allowing Edelman to abuse the student repeatedly on campus, including in his office and classroom.

During the litigation, it emerged that another student had reported being sexually assaulted by a different counselor during the same school year, with Edelman allegedly helping to cover up that incident. Despite reports from students and parents, school officials did not take appropriate action. Attorney Lauren Cerri, representing John Doe, stated, “School officials admitted that they felt there was no reason to supervise any of the counselors more closely. Had they done so, most likely Edelman’s abuse of my client would have been detected and stopped”.

John Doe did not disclose the abuse until 2008, when he began seeking therapy to address its impact. “Given the effect this has had on my life, I wish I could go back in time and have forced the school district to prevent my abuse from happening in the first place,” Doe said in a statement.

Edelman continued to work for SFUSD after his time at Lowell, teaching at the Academy of Arts and Sciences until his resignation in September 2013. In 2014, Edelman was arrested in a sting operation by Mountain View police, who posed as a 17-year-old boy online.

This settlement comes amid broader scrutiny of SFUSD’s handling of sexual abuse cases. Earlier last year, attorney Lauren Cerri settled two additional sexual abuse cases against the District for $4.5 million, involving former George Washington High School athletic director Lawrence Young-Yet Chan.

Attorney Cerri emphasized the importance of accountability: “We hope that by bringing attention to the harm suffered years ago by victims of childhood sexual abuse, school districts throughout California will recognize the life-long harm they inflict when they choose to protect educators and the district’s reputation over the safety of students”.

John Doe echoed this sentiment, expressing disappointment that the district relies on liability insurance to resolve such cases rather than focusing on prevention. Still, he voiced hope, inspired by current Lowell students who have spoken out and organized for change, including #MeToo walkouts. “Their activism shows the power of collective action to demand accountability and work toward a safer environment for everyone. Thank you for your voices. We were never alone,” Doe said.

More on this development at:

SFUSD reaches $1.5M settlement in sex abuse lawsuit involving former counselor

The lawsuit accuses Castilleja School of negligent supervision, negligent misrepresentation, and inadequate training. It alleges that the school did not properly investigate or report prior complaints about the inappropriate behavior of tutor Mark Hodes.

According to the complaint, Castilleja School was aware of Hodes’ inappropriate behavior as early as 1992-1993. The school was reportedly on notice that Hodes engaged in highly inappropriate grooming behavior with minor female students, creating a risk of sexual assault.

Attorney Lauren Cerri is asking those with information about Hodes or any sexual misconduct incidents at Castilleja to call her office at 408-289-1417.

The lawsuit further claims that at least one Castilleja employee continued to recommend Hodes as a tutor and allowed him unsupervised access to the campus, despite him not being an employee. The school allegedly chose not to take any further actions to prevent his abuse of students.

Three former students, identified as Jane Does, have come forward with allegations:

• Jane Doe 1 claims abuse during the 2012-2013 school year while a middle school student.
• Jane Doe 2 alleges abuse both on campus and at Hodes’ home from 2012-2016 while a high school student.
• Jane Doe 3 reports sexual assault from 2007-2011 while a high school student.

The lawsuit argues that the abuse of these students could have been prevented if the school had prioritized student safety over its reputation.

This case underscores the critical importance of rigorous oversight and prompt action in educational institutions to protect vulnerable students. It highlights the need for schools to thoroughly investigate and report any suspicions of inappropriate behavior, prioritizing student safety above all else.

The lawsuit also raises questions about the responsibility of schools in vetting and monitoring non-employees who have access to students, as well as the potential long-term consequences of failing to address early warning signs of predatory behavior.

In 1997, Hodes was allegedly removed from Palo Alto High School’s campus due to sexual abuse of a student. In August 2020, he was arrested on a warrant for nine felony counts of lewd acts with a minor aged 14 or 15. Since then, he has been charged with 55 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with children, and a total of 17 girls have come forward to share their experiences.

More on this lawsuit:

Lawsuit: Former students allege Castilleja School failed to protect them from abusive tutor Palo Alto Girls’ School Sued for Covering Up Sexual Abuse by Math Tutor Castilleja sued over sexual abuse claims

A lawsuit filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court has brought to light serious allegations of negligence against Trumpet Behavioral Health, LLC and its parent company, BlueSprig. The case, filed by the law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, centers on the alleged sexual abuse of an 11-year-old autistic girl by a behavioral therapist during home-based therapy sessions. Trumpet Behavioral Health, LLC is a provider of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children, teens, and young adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. The company offers both home-based and center-based services across multiple states, including California. In late 2023, Trumpet was acquired by BlueSprig, another ABA therapy provider. The lawsuit states that the parents of the autistic child had been using Trumpet Behavioral Health’s services since 2017. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the therapy sessions transitioned to a home-based format. The alleged abuse occurred in March 2024, perpetrated by therapist Alejandro Nunez during one of these home sessions. According to the legal filing, the abuse came to light when a plumber and his assistant witnessed Nunez inappropriately touching the child. After being informed, the child’s father set up a laptop to record the remainder of the therapy session, which allegedly captured three instances of inappropriate touching. Attorney Mark Boskovich, representing the family, emphasized the responsibility of companies providing in-home counseling services to children with intellectual disabilities. He stated, “Any company that provides in-home counseling services to children has an obligation to monitor that therapist during counseling sessions given that these children have intellectual disabilities that make them vulnerable to sexual abuse”. The lawsuit alleges that Trumpet Behavioral Health and BlueSprig failed in their duty to properly supervise Nunez, leaving him unsupervised with a vulnerable child. Following the discovery of the alleged abuse, San Jose Police were called to the scene. After reviewing the video evidence, Nunez was arrested. Alarmingly, this is not the first such incident associated with Trumpet Behavioral Health. The lawsuit mentions a prior case in Modesto, California, where another Trumpet behavioral therapist was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an intellectually disabled minor during a counseling session. This case highlights a broader, deeply concerning issue: the increased vulnerability of individuals with autism and other disabilities to physical and sexual abuse. Statistics from the Federal Bureau of Justice paint a stark picture:

• People with disabilities are at least 2.5 times more likely to be victims of violent crimes compared to the general population.
• Unpublished Justice Department statistics, as reported by National Public Radio, suggest that individuals with intellectual disabilities are seven times more likely to experience sexual assault than their non-disabled peers.

These alarming figures underscore the critical importance of robust safeguards and vigilant supervision in care settings for individuals with disabilities. This lawsuit serves as a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities. It raises important questions about the responsibility of care providers to ensure the safety of their clients, especially in home-based settings. As the legal process unfolds, it may lead to broader discussions about improving protection measures for vulnerable individuals receiving therapeutic services.

More on this lawsuit at:

Parent sues behavioral health organization, alleging negligence allowing sexual abuse of minor in San Jose BlueSprig Faces Negligence Lawsuit Over Child Sexual Assault Case

The settlement also resolves three additional lawsuits brought by two former Tamalpais High School students and a private tennis player who received lessons from Burgos at the school. One of the victims, identified as John Doe, will receive $4.5 million for abuse that began during the 1999-2000 school year, when Burgos was still a probationary employee without tenure protections. Doe testified that a school administrator witnessed Burgos sexually abusing him but failed to intervene or report the incident, instead making a joke and walking away.

“None of these men should have ever been abused,” said attorney Mark Boskovich, who represented the victims. “The district’s failure to act enabled and emboldened Burgos to continue his predatory behavior.”

Two other victims, identified as Doe 2 and Doe 3, alleged they were sexually assaulted by Burgos during the 2000-2001 school year under the pretense of “body fat tests.” Both men will receive $750,000 each as part of the settlement (Marin County Superior Court, Case No. CIV2204358).

“Thank you for all you have done for me, I will appreciate it for the rest of my life. You both put on an amazing trial and I know doing so required not only tremendous skill, but most of all, intense preparation and hard work. Holding those accountable who were responsible for my abuse has both empowered me and helped me heal.” A.H.

Burgos’ abuse often involved taking students into private settings under false pretenses, such as conducting body fat tests or fitness evaluations. Instead of performing legitimate tests in public areas, Burgos would isolate students in his office, have them lie on a massage table, remove their clothing, and then sexually assault them.

“The district’s failure to protect these students is indefensible,” said attorney Robert Allard. “This case serves as a stark reminder that safeguarding students must always take precedence over protecting teachers or coaches.”

The lawsuits also highlight the devastating and long-lasting effects of sexual abuse on survivors. Many victims testified about years of trauma, including struggles with substance abuse, damaged relationships, and feelings of shame and low self-esteem. “These men have endured life-altering pain,” Boskovich said. “Some contemplated suicide; others turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with their suffering.”

Normandie Burgos was finally brought to justice in 2019 when he was criminally convicted of 60 counts of sexual abuse involving multiple victims. He is currently serving a 255-year prison sentence.

This settlement underscores systemic failures within the school district to address early warning signs about Burgos’ behavior and prevent further harm to students. It also serves as a call for stronger protections and accountability measures in schools statewide to ensure student safety.

Steven Myers, who was hired by SCCS in 1981 as principal of Branciforte Junior High School, was also the founder of the “Traveling School Summer Program,” a pilot initiative later integrated into the district’s curriculum. This program targeted students with behavioral and academic challenges, many from unstable home environments. Both plaintiffs, identified in court documents as John Roe 3 and John Roe 4, participated in the program during the late 1980s and early 1990s. They alleged that Myers used his position to create an environment that enabled years of abuse.

The lawsuit revealed disturbing details about Myers’ conduct during the Traveling School program. He reportedly incorporated massages into the curriculum, exclusively targeting boys, often shirtless, and required students to massage him in return. On designated “Body Theme Days,” students were instructed to wear minimal clothing; Myers himself wore a tight Speedo and required boys to do the same. Additionally, Myers allegedly provided drugs to students and invited them to his home for activities such as hot tub sessions. The lack of oversight allowed him to share rooms or beds with students during trips.

One of the plaintiffs, John Roe 3, expressed hope that this settlement would serve as a wake-up call for SCCS to implement stronger protections for students. “This lawsuit could have been easily avoided if Santa Cruz City Schools had safety measures and oversight in place,” he stated. John Roe 4 shared how the abuse profoundly impacted his life, leading to struggles with boundaries and substance abuse as he coped with decades of secrecy. “When secrets are told, they lose their power,” he said, emphasizing the importance of speaking out for healing and closure.

Attorney Lauren Cerri highlighted the significance of this case despite the decades that have passed since the abuse occurred. “The fact that it happened so long ago doesn’t mean it’s OK or that they can get away with it,” she said. She hopes this resolution provides validation and closure for her clients while underscoring systemic failures in safeguarding children.

Testimonies during the case revealed that no policies or training existed at the time regarding Myers’ behavior or interactions with students. Leaders of the Traveling School admitted there was no district oversight during trips or at Myers’ home visits with students. Additionally, SCCS employees reportedly ignored warnings about Myers’ inappropriate behavior dating back to his tenure at Crittenden Middle School in Mountain View during the 1970s.

Myers resigned from SCCS in 1991 amid growing concerns but has never faced criminal prosecution due to statutes of limitations. His teaching credentials were later revoked in California and Colorado for sexual misconduct. Attorney Lauren Cerri is also representing two former Crittenden Middle School students who allege similar abuse by Myers in the 1970s; their case is set to go to trial next summer.

This settlement underscores both past institutional failures and the ongoing need for robust safeguards to protect students from abuse within educational systems.

For more on this case, please read:

Santa Cruz Lookout San Jose Mercury News

The law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard has filed a lawsuit against the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The lawsuit alleges that the district failed to adequately supervise a John Glenn High School teacher, which led to the alleged sexual assault of a student.

The plaintiff, referred to as Jane Doe, claims that the teacher, Raymond Niemann, exploited his position of authority to groom her for sexual advances beginning in 2008. The alleged abuse continued for nearly two years.

According to the lawsuit, the district was alerted to potential red flags but failed to take adequate action. Despite this, the lawsuit alleges that the district failed to properly supervise Niemann, enabling him to continue the alleged abuse.

“The district’s alleged failure to act on warning signs is deeply disturbing,” said attorney Lauren Cerri. “We urge anyone with information about Niemann or similar incidents within the district to contact our office.”

This lawsuit marks the third recent incident involving allegations of sexual misconduct within the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District.

The law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard recommends three critical actions based on best practices that schools can take to protect students from sexual abuse:

To protect students from sexual abuse, schools can take three critical actions.

First, they can establish effective reporting and response systems, designating trained staff to receive confidential reports and ensuring prompt investigations and collaboration with authorities.

Second, schools can provide comprehensive education and awareness programs, teaching students about body safety, boundaries, and healthy relationships, while also training educators to identify signs of abuse and support affected students.

Third, schools can conduct rigorous screening and monitoring of educators, including thorough background checks and regular performance evaluations, to prevent potential abusers from entering the school community. By implementing these measures, schools can create a safe and supportive environment, empower students to speak up, and prevent sexual abuse.

By taking these proactive steps, schools can help prevent sexual abuse and ensure a safer learning environment for students.

The law firm is seeking information from individuals who may have knowledge about Niemann’s conduct or other potential incidents of sexual misconduct within the district. Those with information can contact Cerri, Boskovich & Allard at 408-289-1417.

Butte County — October 10, 2024 — A lawsuit was filed late yesterday (Butte County Superior Court) against the Gridley Unified School District on behalf of a former middle school student who was sexually abused by his teacher, Michelle Solis, at Sycamore Junior High School during the 2020-2021 academic year. Solis confessed to the sexual activity with the eighth-grade male student and in June of this year was sentenced to four years in state prison.

The lawsuit filed by the San Jose law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard along with the Carrillo Law Firm from South Pasadena alleges that the school district failed to supervise Solis and to protect the student, named as John Doe in the lawsuit, from predators like Solis.

According to the lawsuit, Solis engaged in numerous red flag behaviors, which usually precede sexual abuse. Those behaviors, according to the lawsuit, included Solis:

• Spending time alone with male students. • Communicating with them outside school hours. • Sending explicit sexual text messages. • Providing nude photographs of herself. • Isolating students in her classroom behind closed or locked doors during school hours.

Throughout the school year, the lawsuit states that Solis gave John Doe special attention, often inviting him to remain in her classroom after school under the pretense of assisting with homework. She allegedly arranged for a District yard duty supervisor to issue passes that allowed him to be alone with her during recess and lunch. During this time, she sent him explicit photographs. Evidence presented in the criminal trial revealed that she sent the boy four explicit photos and had sexual intercourse with him in her classroom on the day of his graduation.

On the day of Doe’s eighth-grade graduation in 2021, Solis, more than 30-years older, isolated him in her classroom and engaged in sexual intercourse with him behind a locked door. The lawsuit alleges that Solis had been sending inappropriate messages and photographs to other students for several years prior to these incidents.

“The digital revolution has allowed predators to gain access to children like never before,” attorney Mark Boskovich said. “The internet is now one of the most popular ways for molesters to groom potential victims.”

Solis initiated contact by “friending” the boy on Instagram and began messaging him weeks before his graduation.

Anyone with information about Solis or any sexual misconduct incidents at Gridley school is asked to call attorney Boskovich at (408) 289-1417. For those who speak Spanish, call the Carrillo Law Firm at (626) 799-9375.

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News Media stories on the Gridley – Michelle Solis lawsuit sexual abuse case:

California school failed to stop teacher from ‘grooming’ 14-year-old she had sex with, suit says Lawsuit claims Gridley Unified ignored signs of teacher sexually grooming eighth grader Gridley Unified School District sex abuse lawsuit Student Sues After Teacher Rapes Him in Classroom on Graduation Day Calif. teacher, 46, groomed teen student under guise of tutoring before having sex with him on graduation day, new suit alleges Boy, 14, says he’s traumatized after female teacher, 46, locked him in her classroom and raped him

Click for a copy of the lawsuit

The lawsuit states that the victim, referred to as Jane Doe, was a freshman at Leigh High in the 2002-2003 school year. Thomas allegedly began grooming her for sexual advances and assaulting her multiple times on school grounds, including in his portable classroom and a storage room in the boys’ locker room. The lawsuit claims that Thomas’s wife Sarah, who was the Dean of Leigh High at the time, discovered the victim with Thomas in his classroom after they had been having sex.

In spring 2003, the lawsuit alleges that Thomas forced Jane Doe to have an abortion after he had impregnated her. After the pregnancy, Jane Doe reportedly told Sarah Thomas about the abuse, but the lawsuit claims Sarah blamed the victim and did not report the abuse to authorities or take action to protect the student.

The lawsuit states that Shawn Thomas continued to sexually assault the victim on school grounds even after the pregnancy. “Leigh High School had every opportunity to prevent the abuse of my client,” said attorney Lauren Cerri. “There were red flags everywhere that Shawn Thomas was a sexual predator. Even worse, a direct report was made by my client and completely ignored.”

At the time of his arrest, Shawn Thomas was a teacher and coach at Leigh High and Los Gatos High. He was known in the local athletic community, having been a standout athlete at Leigh High and coaching there and elsewhere. His wife Sarah has worked for the school district for over 20 years.

Cerri believes there may be additional victims and is asking anyone with information to contact her office.

The lawsuit, filed in Alameda County, highlights the failure of Emery High School employees to address the sexual misconduct of security guard Daniel Parham, despite knowledge of his inappropriate sexual behavior with other students. Parham is accused of isolating and assaulting the victim on multiple occasions during the 2023-2024 school year in various locations on school grounds.

This legal action is rooted in the duty of educational institutions to provide a safe environment for students and to prevent harm, especially when there are clear indications of misconduct by staff members that endanger students’ well-being.

An School’s Obligation to Protect Students

Public schools typically have a legal obligation to protect the safety and well-being of their students while they are under the school’s care. This obligation includes providing a safe environment for learning and taking reasonable measures to prevent harm to students. Schools are expected to implement policies and procedures to address various safety concerns, including physical safety, emotional well-being, and protection from bullying or harassment.

This duty of care extends to various aspects of school life, such as ensuring safe premises, supervising students during school hours and activities, addressing instances of bullying or violence, and taking appropriate action to respond to emergencies or threats to student safety.

The duty of care is based on “Parentis loco”, a Latin term that translates to “in the place of a parent.” It refers to a legal concept where someone assumes the responsibilities, duties, and authority typically held by a parent, especially in situations where the actual parent is absent or unable to fulfill those responsibilities. This concept is often invoked in contexts such as education or guardianship, where a teacher, guardian, or other adult may act in the best interest of a child as if they were the child’s parent.

Lawsuit Details

The lawsuit also mentions that the victim expressed concerns about pregnancy following the abuse, and another student had reportedly informed an ECCL employee about Parham’s inappropriate behavior. Parham was subsequently arrested by Alameda Police in November 2023 for statutory rape and assault of the 16-year-old girl on school premises.

Attorney Mark Boskovich emphasized that the assault could have been prevented, pointing out instances where school staff allegedly failed to intervene despite suspicious circumstances. The incident raises concerns about safety protocols and reporting practices at Emery High School, which is situated within the Emeryville Center of Community Life, a collaborative project between the School District and the City of Emeryville.

The Emery Unified School District has a history related to sexual abuse allegations. In 2017, the district faced accusations of violating mandated reporting laws by failing to report two sexual assaults that occurred on campus. This history of mishandling sexual assault allegations raises concerns about the district’s response to such incidents and its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students.

This legal action underscores the importance of ensuring a safe and secure environment for students and holding institutions accountable for their responsibilities in safeguarding students from harm.

More on the lawsuit at these media outlets:

• • San Francisco Chronicle: Emeryville school district sued after security guard arrested for sexual assault
  • San Jose Mercury News & East Bay Times: Lawsuit: Emery Unified officials failed to protect student from sexual abuse
  • The E’ville Eye: Lawsuit filed against EUSD Following Alleged Sexual Abuse by Security Guard

The plaintiff accuses Weible of grooming and sexually abusing her over a decade ago, during the 2010-2011 school year. The lawsuit alleges inappropriate behavior, including hugs, hand massages, students sitting on his lap, and special attention to female students.

Of significant concern is the assertion that despite numerous complaints regarding Weible’s conduct, the school district failed to take appropriate action until 2012. Moreover, the complaint alleges that the district never reported suspicions of child abuse to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), allowing Weible to continue working with minors. Weible, currently serves as Assistant Head of School for a prestigious Bay Area private school.

Passing the Trash

“Passing the trash” refers to the unethical practice of allowing educators who have engaged in misconduct, particularly of a sexual nature, to quietly leave one school district and obtain employment in another district without their history of misconduct being disclosed. This term highlights the irresponsible and potentially dangerous transfer of problematic educators from one educational institution to another, often without proper investigation or consequences for their actions.

“Passing the trash” is a significant problem for several reasons:

1. Failure to Protect Students: It disregards the safety and well-being of students by allowing educators with a history of misconduct to continue working with children, potentially putting them at risk of harm.
2. Perpetuates Abuse: By allowing offenders to move freely between schools without consequences, it enables a cycle of abuse to continue, as perpetrators are not held accountable for their actions.
3. Lack of Accountability: It fosters a culture of impunity where educators may believe they can engage in misconduct without facing consequences, undermining trust in the education system and the ability to safeguard students.
4. Betrayal of Trust: Schools have a duty to provide a safe learning environment, and knowingly hiring educators with a history of misconduct breaches this trust between schools, parents, and students.
5. Reputational Damage: Schools and districts that engage in passing the trash risk damaging their reputation and credibility within the community once instances of misconduct come to light.

Overall, passing the trash not only fails to address the root issue of educator sexual misconduct but also perpetuates a dangerous environment for students and undermines the integrity of the education system.

More on the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Lawsuit

The complaint details instances of Weible buying meals and gifts, providing rides, passing personal notes, and engaging in inappropriate touching. Allegedly, the sexual assault occurred both on campus and during a senior trip to New York City. The lawsuit also claims that the school district did not investigate Weible’s conduct until 2012, despite prior concerns. The lawsuit accuses Weible of sexual assault of a minor and the district of negligent hiring and supervision.

This lawsuit follows previous allegations against the San Ramon Valley Unified School District in 2015 concerning mishandling of sexual harassment and abuse complaints, involving former California High School wrestling coach Kevin Lopez. Lopez pled guilty to charges, with SRVUSD and the New Life Church of Alamo, where he served as a youth group leader, settling with the victim for substantial sums.

The law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard represented the the victim in the Lopez case and also is representing the victim in this case.

The District is also facing scrutiny over another former teacher, Nicholas Moseby. He is set for trial in a separate sexual abuse case, and the district’s handling of Moseby’s case has led to investigations into the role of a current principal during her tenure at San Ramon Valley High.

The issue of abuse within USA Fencing, the National Governing Body for Fencing in the United States, has been a persistent concern. Similar to many sports organizations, instances of abuse have emerged over time, prompting investigations and calls for reform.

The #MeToo movement played a pivotal role in shedding light on various forms of misconduct and abuse across different industries, including sports. In response to allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse within fencing, USA Fencing established a Safe Sport Task Force in 2019.

Reports of abuse within USA Fencing have implicated coaches, officials, and other figures within the fencing community, involving emotional, physical, and sexual abuse, as well as harassment and bullying.

A survey conducted by “The Fencing Coach,” a notable fencing blog, in March 2018 revealed alarming statistics. Nearly 20% of women in the fencing community reported experiencing sexual assault by another member of the community.

The issue of sexual abuse within USA Fencing gained heightened attention amidst public scandals involving similar misconduct in other organizations such as USA Gymnastics, USA Taekwondo, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Roman Catholic Church. USA Fencing acknowledges the elevated risk of child physical and sexual abuse within youth sports environments on its website.

By 2017, the prevalence of sexual abuse within Olympic sports became so concerning that Congress intervened to provide support to athletes competing for national governing bodies. The legislation empowered the U.S. Center for Safe Sport to establish a mechanism enabling aspiring Olympic athletes to report abuse allegations to an independent and impartial entity for thorough investigation and resolution. Additionally, it mandated that all national governing bodies adhere to stringent standards for preventing, detecting, and investigating child abuse.

Furthermore, the legislation addresses limitations in current law pertaining to victims’ ability to sue perpetrators of sex crimes by extending the statute of limitations. This adjustment recognizes the challenges faced by children in identifying crimes committed against them until much later in adulthood.

In the current lawsuit filed by Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, it specifically implicates a former coach from Sunnyvale, alleging that USA Fencing inadequately addressed instances of abuse by this coach. These allegations have sparked concern within the fencing community, prompting discussions about athlete safety and safeguarding measures within the sport.

Furthermore, the allegations suggest that USA Fencing failed to take appropriate action to prevent or address reported misconduct, resulting in harm to individuals within the fencing community. The lawsuit seeks accountability from USA Fencing for its purported negligence in handling these matters.

Despite efforts by organizations like USA Fencing, addressing sexual abuse remains a complex and ongoing challenge. Work continues to create a safe and supportive environment for all participants in fencing, including efforts to change the sport’s culture to prioritize safety, respect, and accountability.

According to the lawsuit, during the academic year 2004-2005, Edelman commenced a process of “grooming” a student, identified as John Doe, to gain his trust with the ultimate goal of sexually exploiting him. Under the pretense of assisting Doe with improving his academic performance, Edelman reportedly offered Doe rides home, meals, and gifts. Allegedly, despite this behavior, school authorities ignored Edelman’s actions. The lawsuit accuses Edelman of abusing Doe on the premises of Lowell High School, including his own office and classroom.

The plaintiff, Doe, was under the impression that Edelman wielded significant influence at Lowell High School and could aid him in achieving his academic ambitions. Lowell High School holds a reputation as one of the top high schools in the nation and consistently ranks among the Top 10 Public Schools in California based on test scores.

The lawsuit states that Doe began therapy to address the effects of the abuse in late 2008, during which he disclosed the abuse for the first time.

After leaving Lowell High School, Edelman continued his teaching career at the SFUSD Academy of Arts and Sciences, remaining an employee of the San Francisco Unified School District until his resignation in September 2013.

In 2014, Edelman was apprehended in a sting operation conducted by a Mountain View police officer who posed as a 17-year-old boy on a gay website. Edelman had arranged to meet the boy for sex. He subsequently pled guilty and was convicted of intentionally distributing and/or sending harmful material featuring a minor engaging in sexual activity, with the intent of stimulating or catering to sexual desires, or with the purpose of sexual engagement. Following news reports about this event, Doe stepped forward again to recount his experiences to Mountain View police.

Edelman died in 2018. In light of the allegations, the law firm Cerri, Boskovich & Allard is urging anyone with information about Edelman to contact them at 408-289-1417.

Source: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230725168566/en/

https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/sfusd-lowell-sexual-abuse-18267995.php

The first lawsuit was filed in August of 2022 and alleges that Allara sexually abused a student at Jefferson Elementary School in Oakland. The lawsuit claims that the sexual abuse and sexual assault took place during the 1976-1977 time period when the student was 11-years-old.

According to the lawsuit, Allara abused the student in the classroom, the teacher’s bathroom at school, and in his vehicle.

The second lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court (Case No. 22CV024423) by Attorney Lauren Cerri of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard alleges that Allara sexually abused a 5th grade student at Crocker Highlands Elementary School during the 1971-1972 school year. The lawsuit claims that Allara was a student teacher and should have been supervised during this period of time when he did not have a teaching credential.

The Crocker Highlands 5th grade student claims that Allara drove the student in Allara’s van to Allara’s apartment where Allara sexually abused the student and the student’s friend. The following day, the student and the friend attempted to report Allara to the principal. The principal was not in so they reported to the receptionist. No one at the school followed up nor did they report Allara to law enforcement and/or child protective services.

The lawsuit claims that the Oakland Unified School District knew, had reason to know, or was otherwise on notice that Allara engaged in highly inappropriate grooming behavior with minor students which created a risk he would sexually assault one of them.

Former San Jose Police Department sex crimes investigator Kendra Nunes is investigating Allara for Cerri, Boskovich & Allard. Ms. Nunes states that in her experience, Allara exhibits behavior consistent with a pedophile.

Who is William “Skip” Allara

The law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard believes that Allara attended Cal State Hayward and was hired as a student teacher at Crocker Highlands Elementary School.

It is also believed that Allara taught at Jefferson Elementary and Bret Harte Middle School, both in Oakland.

Allara died at the age of 46 in 1989.

Come forward with information

Attorney Cerri and Investigator Nunes urge former students of Allara to contact them with information that may be helpful. You can reach them at 408-289-1417

“My client has struggled for decades with a loss of self-esteem and trust issues,” attorney Lauren Cerri said. “That’s one reason why it has taken nearly 50 years to come forward.”

The plaintiff was examined by a licensed mental health practitioner prior to the filing of the lawsuit. The examination determined that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the plaintiff was sexually abused. Further, the court reviewed the initial lawsuit and determined that enough evidence existed to name both Allara and the Oakland Unified School District in an amended complaint.

Attorney Cerri has achieved justice for many victims of sexual abuse, including those who have waited decades to come forward. Last year, Cerri settled a four-decade old case against the Union School District in San Jose for $7.5 million. The case involved five grown men sexually abused by their teacher as young school children.