Teacher Faces Multiple Sexual Abuse Charges
A Sacramento County school teacher has been placed under arrest for reportedly engaging in lewd and lascivious acts with students. The 53-year-old teacher allegedly engaged in these acts for several years and turned himself in to authorities on December 17. The teacher is a resident in the county and employed at Bowling Green Chacon Language and Science Academy.
High Bail Amount Ordered in Alleged Sexual Abuse Case
Charges faced by the teacher include eight counts of lewd and lascivious behavior that ran from August 2017 to June 2019. He is being held in the main jail in Sacramento County on $1 million bail and is due to appear in court Tuesday. Officials with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office are asking those with information to contact Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers (916) 443-HELP or their child abuse bureau at (916) 874-5191. Those who want to remain anonymous may call (916) 874-TIPS.
Child Safety in the Public Schools
Parents expect their children to be safe when attending school, but this doesn’t always happen and predators can be anywhere. A child who has been sexually abused often suffers not only physical but emotional and psychological trauma afterward. This trauma often requires professional treatment, so they can learn to cope with what happened to them.
California Penal Code 288(a) makes it illegal for anyone to commit a lascivious or lewd act with a minor. This type of charge can be levied for touching a minor inappropriately or committing any type of sexual activity. Depending on a number of factors, it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony. These charges, when involving a child under age 14, are prosecuted as a felony. Sentencing is separate for each conviction, so multiple charges could lead to a long prison sentence and fines. The prosecutor who files the case takes the following into consideration:
- The child’s age
- Previous criminal record
- The difference in age between the minor and accused
- Whether threats, force or fear was involved
Conviction in these sexual abuse charges carries with it stiff penalties such as:
- Three to eight years in state prison
- Registration as a sex offender
If fear, force or threats were involved, the penalties increase to include:
- A fine of up to $10,000
- From five to 10 years in state prison
- Registration as a sex offender
Placing a Claim for Sexual Abuse
Whether the person who abused you or your child is convicted or not, you have the right to file a personal injury claim against them to recover damages. Since a personal injury claim is made in civil court, your case can be proved using a “preponderance of the evidence.” In criminal court, it has to be proved “beyond a reasonable doubt,” which is a much higher standard.
We offer a free case review with no obligation on your part. Over the years, we have successfully handled many claims involving sexual abuse charges and will handle your case with tact, sensitivity, and an understanding of how important it is to punish the offender and recover fair compensation to help your child.
Sacramento Sexual Abuse Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento sexual abuse lawyer. If you suffered sexual abuse or a minor in your family did, contact us for free and friendly legal advice at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. If you prefer, you can contact us online. We can review your case, tell you about options to recover compensation, and answer your questions with no obligation on your part.
Learn how we have helped others in obtaining the compensation they deserve at the links that follow:
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Since 1982, we have successfully obtained compensation for those who were harmed by sexual abuse, among other types of cases.
Photo attribution: Image by 4711018 from Pixabay
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