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San Francisco Unified School District | Lowell High School Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

Published on: July 26, 2023 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

The law firm Cerri, Boskovich & Allard has launched a lawsuit against the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) on grounds of alleged childhood sexual abuse. The suit claims that the school district failed to adequately supervise Harlan Edelman, a former teacher and counselor at Lowell High School.

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.

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Gilroy Unified School District Lawsuit

Published on: July 26, 2023 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

The law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard has launched legal action against Gilroy Unified School District, alleging negligent supervision of students that has resulted in unprovoked attacks being shared on social media platforms.

Representing a former student known as Jane Doe, the firm claims in the lawsuit that school officials at Solorsano Middle School were alerted twice by Doe’s parents regarding imminent physical threats to their daughter. Despite these warnings, an assault, later circulated on Snapchat and Instagram, occurred in January 2023. The video reveals an attacker, accompanied by friends who teased the victim, approaching from behind, pulling her hair, and dragging her to the ground before kicking and beating her. No school official is visible in the video at any point during this assault. The victim subsequently required hospital treatment for a concussion.

The victim’s parents, no longer trusting the school’s ability to safeguard their daughter, decided to enroll her in a private institution, incurring personal costs.

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Millbrae teacher Matthew Garrett accused of sexually assaulting students as early as 2007

Published on: June 7, 2023 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

It is believed that as early as 2007, Taylor Middle School teacher Matthew Garrett was allegedly engaging in sexual misconduct with students. Law enforcement authorities recently revealed that the accused teacher, Matthew Garrett, is now facing charges related to these incidents and others, including a student student who alleged that Garrett molested him between November 2021 and March 2022..

The charges against Matthew Garrett have emerged as a result of an extensive investigation carried out by the police. The probe was initiated following reports from victims who have mustered the courage to come forward with their experiences. These brave individuals provided crucial information, leading to the identification of the accused teacher and the subsequent filing of charges.

Call the law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard if you are a victim of Matthew Garrett. Protect your rights and allow our attorneys to work for your best interests. 408-289-1417.

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Oakland Unified School District sued for sexual abuse of students

Published on: May 9, 2023 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

Two lawsuits filed in 2022 allege that former Oakland Unified School District teacher William “Skip” Allara sexually abused two students at two different schools. The law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard represents one of the victims.

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.

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USOPC Sexual Abuse

Published on: April 25, 2023 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) is the governing body for the Olympic movement in the United States. Its mission is to promote and support Olympic and Paralympic sports in the country, as well as to ensure the safety and well-being of the athletes who participate in these sports.

Unfortunately, the USOPC has been the subject of numerous allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct over the years. These allegations have highlighted the need for better safeguards and protections for athletes and a more robust response to incidents of abuse.

Our law firm holds the USOPC accountable for the sexual abuse of athletes

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US Tennis Association Sexual Abuse

Published on: April 25, 2023 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

Sexual abuse has been a problem within the US Tennis Association or USTA, with numerous allegations and cases of abuse coming to light in recent years. Survivors have criticized the organization for failing to take adequate steps to protect athletes from abuse, and for not doing enough to address incidents of abuse when they occur.

In addition to the high-profile cases of abuse involving Bob Hewitt and Justin Gimelstob, there have been numerous other allegations of abuse within the sport. Some of these allegations involve coaches and other individuals in positions of authority who used their power to sexually exploit young athletes.

The US Tennis Association (USTA) has taken some steps to address incidents of abuse, including creating a Safe Play program to promote safe and respectful interactions among athletes, coaches, and other individuals involved in the sport. The organization has also implemented stronger background checks for coaches and officials, and has encouraged athletes and others to come forward with any concerns or allegations of abuse.

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USA Swimming Sexual Abuse

Published on: April 25, 2023 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

Attorney Robert Allard has played a significant role in holding USA Swimming accountable for sexual abuse within the organization. Allard has represented numerous survivors of sexual abuse in cases involving USA Swimming, and has been a vocal critic of the organization’s handling of abuse allegations.

There is a long history of sexual abuse within USA Swimming, with allegations dating back several decades. The organization has been criticized for its handling of abuse allegations, and survivors have accused USA Swimming of failing to take adequate steps to protect athletes from abuse.

Some of the most high-profile cases of sexual abuse within USA Swimming include:

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YMCA Sexual Abuse

Published on: April 25, 2023 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

There have been reports of sexual abuse involving the YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) in the past. Like many organizations that work with children, the YMCA has unfortunately had cases of sexual abuse occur within its facilities or programs.

The law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard sued the YMCA of the Silicon Valley in 2014. The case settled favorably for the victims.

In 2019, the YMCA of the USA reached a settlement with several victims of sexual abuse who had filed lawsuits against the organization.

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Profesor de música del distrito escolar Alum Rock Union enfrenta cargos de abuso sexual; 10+ posibles víctimas

Published on: April 21, 2023 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

Un maestro de música en Adelante Dual Language Academy, Distrito Escolar Alum Rock Union, enfrenta múltiples cargos de abuso sexual luego de su arresto. Israel Santiago, profesor de música, está acusado de tocar inapropiadamente a por lo menos diez estudiantes en el salón de la banda. Adelante Dual Language Academy es una escuela de transición de kínder a octavo grado en el este de San José.

La policía de San José dijo que se hizo una acusación similar contra Santiago en 2014 en otra escuela del distrito escolar de Alum Rock, pero nunca se presentaron cargos. Santiago fue luego trasladado a la Academia Adelante.

Este caso tiene muchas similitudes con un caso que acaba de resultar en un veredicto del jurado de $102 millones contra el Distrito Escolar Unión. En ambos casos, parece que los profesores de música estaban aislados del resto de la escuela y carecían de la supervisión adecuada. Y en ambos casos, parece que hubo varias advertencias de “bandera roja” que podrían haber detenido el abuso de los estudiantes.

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Sexual abuse lawsuit filed against Twin Rivers Unified School District

Published on: February 1, 2023 | By Cerri, Boskovich & Allard, LLP

Following the sexual misconduct arrest of Del Paso Heights Elementary School teacher Kim Wilson last month, one of his victims is now filing a sexual abuse lawsuit against the Twin Rivers Unified School District.

The San Jose based law firm of Cerri, Boskovich & Allard filed the case in Sacramento County Superior Court on behalf of the now 19-year-old victim.

The lawsuit states that the school district failed in its legal duty to properly screen and supervise Wilson. Wilson, alleges the lawsuit, engaged in highly visible grooming activities and used his role as the head of the school’s broadcast group to isolate the victim in a locked, windowless, padded sound proof room.

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