By: Jennifer@vca.law July 31, 2024

William Barnes, Longtime Educator Facing Numerous Charges of Abuse

Perpetrators

William Barnes, 78, is an educator with more than 50 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator; he is facing nine criminal charges of aggravated sexual battery, incident liberties with a child, and sexual assault by force or threat. An adopted son came forward to authorities, which opened the door for three more accusers. All the alleged incidents happened while these men were children and students of his.

Barnes’s long history as an educator spans several roles and institutions.

Basketball Coach at Claremont Academy in the 1970’s
Guidance Counselor at N.B. Clements Junior High
Promoted to Prince George’s Director of Secondary Education 2014
Retired in 2023 as Assistant Superintendent of Prince George County Public School District

Many of the accusers say they came forward and told, but the school did not believe them and continued promoting Barnes. The allegations are graphic and disturbing, many of which allegedly happened during sleepovers at this house. He is alleged to have given cash, drugs, and alcohol to buy the children’s silence.

This case resembles the Jerry Sandusky case, in which Andreozzi + Foote represented many victims in lawsuits against Penn State.

If William Barnes has impacted you, we encourage you to come forward, as there are likely more impacted children out there.

What is the Statute of Limitations in Virginia?

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit in cases of childhood sexual assault, trafficking, or child sexual abuse material gives survivors until 20 years after they turn 18 to file a claim.

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault cases includes a discovery rule, which is designed to provide survivors with more time to file a lawsuit. This rule allows survivors to file a claim within 20 years of discovering the harm caused by the abuse rather than from the date the abuse occurred. This is especially important in cases where the survivor may have repressed memories or only later understood the full impact of the abuse.

This means that the clock on the statute of limitations starts ticking not from the date of the incident but from the time the survivor realizes the connection between their harm and the abuse. This discovery rule recognizes the unique and often delayed nature of trauma related to sexual abuse, giving survivors the time they need to come to terms with their experiences and seek justice.

There is no current lookback window for filing claims outside this timeframe.

Can a Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice for the Trauma They May Have Experienced By William Barnes?

By initiating legal action, survivors can hold institutions that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse accountable for their actions. Civil suits allow victims to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they have endured.

Additionally, these lawsuits contribute to raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse and fostering a culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of individuals over organizational interests. As a result, survivors gain a platform to share their experiences. Thereby challenging the culture of silence surrounding sexual abuse and empowering others to come forward.

Can I File A Lawsuit Against the Schools?

Yes. You might have rights if you were a victim of William Barnes and the school district knew or should have known about Barnes’s conduct and failed to act.

Andreozzi + Foote is a leading sexual abuse law firm in the nation. Contact us today to discuss your possible legal rights 1-866-753-5458