Jamel Bradley, a 45-year-old Richmond County School Resource office from Spring Valley High, sexually assaulted students. Victims reported him, and the school and Richmond County Sheriff’s Department did nothing. He remained in his position of authority and sexually assaulted more students.

Five complaints against Bradley were filed over the years, and no one did anything to protect these children.  He was finally charged with two felonies: sexual assault and battery of one student and sexual battery of another. He was placed on probation for three years.

There is a high likelihood that there are other victims.

We realize how scary disclosing these types of crimes can be. You are not alone.

Andreozzi + Foote lawyers offer experience and a trauma-informed approach when seeking justice for our clients.

Judges Handing Out Light Sentences to Offenders Denies Justice to Victims.

When judges hand down sentences of probation for sexual assault, it can leave victims feeling betrayed by the justice system. Probation often fails to reflect the severity of the crime, leading survivors to experience feelings of invalidation and a lack of closure. This leniency can further traumatize victims, who may struggle with emotional and psychological impacts, while also potentially allowing offenders to pose a continued risk. For many, these sentences highlight a need for stronger legal accountability to support survivors and deter future crimes.

How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They May Have Experienced By Jamel Bradley?

There are many misunderstandings about why a survivor of sexual abuse would choose to file a civil lawsuit.   Child sexual abuse takes away so much from the survivors and families impacted. Our society still struggles to find ways to repair the harm done by individual perpetrators and institutions that have covered up child sexual abuse.  Outdated statutes of limitations across our country leave far too many survivors denied access to our criminal or civil justice courts.

Filing a civil case can be an essential step for survivors and their families in their journey to slowly rebuild their lives and create pathways to healing.  Motivation for filing a civil suit is questioned and unfairly stereotyped as being “all about money. Filing a civil lawsuit can cast survivors as “money hungry” and is weaponized to shame and blame them even more. This couldn’t be further from the truth for survivors of child sexual abuse. The civil justice system offers victims more than just monetary benefits.  It gives survivors access to justice, validation, exposure, confrontation, and ultimately some resolution. The resolution allows survivors of sexual abuse to understand and process what happened and create a new path forward without confusion, questions, and fear.

Can I File A Lawsuit Against the School or Sheriff’s Department?

You might have rights if you were a victim of Jamel Bradley while the school and Sheriff’s Department employed him as they had prior knowledge or failed to act on their duty of care or their students. Civil lawsuits are underway in this case.

Andreozzi + Foote is a leading national law firm on sexual abuse.

We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. We provide free, confidential case evaluations where you can learn more about your rights and options under your state’s laws. Contact Andreozzi + Foote today. 1-866-753-5458