North Charleston Church Volunteer Arrested for Sexually Abusing a Child

Today, it was reported that Jacop Robert Lee Hazlett was arrested for sexually abusing a child while volunteering as a chaperone at NewSprings Church in North Charleston, South Carolina. Hazlett, 28, was charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.

Church officials released a statement saying Hazlett was screened before volunteering with the children. Church officials also stated the church was monitored by video camera. The obvious question remains whether the Church’s video cameras were adequately monitored, as Hazlett’s crime was reportedly captured on video.

Churches like NewSpring have an obligation to reasonably supervise the children under their care. If NewSpring failed to protect Hazlett’s victims, those children may have a viable civil action for damages against the Church.

If your child was victimized by Hazlett, you should contact a civil attorney immediately to discuss your child’s legal rights.