Andreozzi & Foote Attorneys at Law

Free Confidential Consultation

866-311-8640
Call Us Now
Obtaining Life Changing Results
for Victims and Their Families

Giles Stanton, Teacher Facing Several Allegations

Search Results for: grooming

by

Giles Stanton, 53, a teacher at A Monroe High School in Washington state, faces two counts of first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor. Child Protective Services received information that Stanton was engaging in sexual misconduct with several children. The allegations detail sexual abuse that occurred in various places and for months at a time.

You are not alone if you have been impacted.

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

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 School?

Yes.  If you were a Giles Stanton victim, you might have rights.

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

We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate school sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. We offer free, confidential case evaluations. Contact us 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days a week.

1-866-753-5458

by

Olivia Ortz, a former chorus teacher at Wilmington Area High School in Pennsylvania, is facing charges of three felonies for assault of a student:

  • institutional sexual assault,
  • unlawful contact with a minor,
  • and criminal use of a communication facility.

The student discusses how she considered Ortz a trusted and safe adult in her life before the abuse began. This is common in cases of grooming; Ortz’s husband found evidence of inappropriate contact on her iPad.

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

A civil lawsuit can serve as a crucial avenue for victims seeking justice and redress from the trauma of sexual abuse, especially when organizations are implicated in the wrongdoing. By initiating legal action, survivors can hold both individual perpetrators and the 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, helping to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical and therapeutic expenses.

Additionally, these lawsuits contribute to the broader goal of raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse and fostering a culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of individuals over organizational interests. Legal proceedings also offer survivors 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 School?

Yes. You might have rights if you were a victim of Olivia Ortz.

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

We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate school sexual abuse lawyers are here to listen and provide knowledgeable legal guidance. We offer free, confidential case evaluations. Contact us 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days a week.

866-753-5458

Info@vca.law

by

Matthew Rutledge, 62, a teacher at Miss Hall’s School, is facing multiple sexual assault accusations from numerous students. Reports claim Rutledge had been grooming students for 30 years while teaching at the all-girls private school in the Berkshire’s of Massachusettes. It is strongly believed that there are many more victims after three have already come forward. 

Please know you are not alone if Rutledge has impacted you.

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

A civil lawsuit can serve as a crucial avenue for victims seeking justice and redress from the trauma of sexual abuse. By initiating legal action, survivors can hold the institutions that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse accountable.  Civil suits allow victims to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they have endured. Thus helping to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical and therapeutic expenses.

Additionally, these lawsuits contribute to the broader goal of raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse. They foster a culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of individuals over organizational interests. Legal proceedings also offer survivors 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 School?

Yes. You might have rights if you were a victim of Matthew Rutledge while he worked at the school.

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

866-753-5458

Info@vca.law

by

Alley Bardfield, a longtime substitute teacher at Decatur Public Schools in Illinois, is in Macon County Jail on Wednesday and is facing charges of grooming and predatory criminal sexual assault. The victim is a 6th-grade student. Given the longevity of her tenure with the school, it is not unreasonable to believe other students may have been victimized.

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

A civil lawsuit can serve as a crucial avenue for victims seeking justice and redress from the trauma of sexual abuse. By initiating legal action, survivors can hold the institutions that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse accountable.  Civil suits allow victims to seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and psychological harm they have endured. Thus helping to alleviate the financial burdens associated with medical and therapeutic expenses.

Additionally, these lawsuits contribute to the broader goal of raising awareness about the prevalence of sexual abuse. They foster a culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of individuals over organizational interests. Legal proceedings also offer survivors 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 School?

Yes. You might have rights if you were a victim of Alley Bardfield while he worked at Decatur Public School.

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

866-753-5458

Info@vca.law

by

Rachel Whiteside, a 34-year-old teacher and coach in the Ankeny Community School District at Northview Middle School, faces charges of third-degree child abuse, sexual exploitation, and lascivious conduct with a minor.

The incidents spanned several years, with the abuse allegedly starting when the victim was in ninth grade and continuing until they were 23. Whiteside is accused of grooming the child. The victim said Whiteside was “methodical in her actions” by using her positions of power “to make the student feel comfortable.”

The victim reported the abuse in January, prompting an investigation that led to Whiteside’s arrest on February 21.

The Impact on Students and the Educational System:

  1. Building Trust:
    • Teacher Abuse cases underscore the need for robust trust-building measures within educational institutions to encourage students to report any misconduct.
  2. Vigilance and Prevention:
    • Schools must prioritize student safety by implementing stringent background checks for employees, regular training on recognizing signs of abuse, and fostering an environment where students feel comfortable reporting inappropriate behavior.
  3. Legal Actions Against Rachel Whiteside:
    • The legal system plays a crucial role in holding perpetrators accountable. The accused individual has been charged, emphasizing the importance of swift and thorough investigations. A civil action is also a possible remedy against the school.

Why Choose Andreozzi + Foote:

  1. Compassionate Legal Support: Our team understands the sensitivity and emotional toll that cases of sexual assault can have on victims. We approach each case compassionately, providing the support and guidance needed during this challenging time.
  2. Experienced Sexual Assault Attorneys: Our team of trauma-informed attorneys has a proven record in handling sexual assault cases. Therefore, we fight for victims’ rights and hold perpetrators accountable.
  3. Confidentiality and Privacy: Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. We handle each case with the highest level of confidentiality.

At Andreozzi + Foote, we believe in empowering victims of sexual assault to come forward and seek justice. As a result, we encourage those impacted to come forward and learn about options.

866-753-5458

info@vca.law

by

Addressing teacher sexual abuse is vital as so many cases continue to unfold. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is paramount in any educational setting. While the majority of educators are dedicated professionals committed to the intellectual and emotional development of their students, instances of teacher sexual abuse have raised concerns about the need for comprehensive prevention measures. This article explores the prevalence of teacher sexual abuse, the importance of educating stakeholders on boundary violations, grooming, and sexual conduct, and the necessity for uniform policies across school districts.

Prevalence of Teacher Sexual Abuse:

Teacher sexual abuse is a serious issue that has garnered attention in recent years. While it is essential to acknowledge that the majority of teachers prioritize the welfare of their students, incidents of abuse underscore the need for preventive measures. The prevalence of teacher sexual abuse is rampant. While there is no national database of school sexual abuse cases, a watchdog group, the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, acts as a clearinghouse. They note that, on average, about 6,000 educators each year have adverse actions taken against their certificate or license for serious misconduct that deems them unsafe to be in the classroom. Most never see a courtroom, so there is no actual record, so they still have access to children.

Identifying Boundary Violations, Grooming, and Sexual Conduct:

Education is a powerful tool in preventing teacher sexual abuse. By understanding the signs of boundary violations, grooming, and inappropriate sexual conduct, educators, parents, and students can work together to create a safer learning environment.

Boundary Violations:
  • Teachers should maintain appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with students.
  • Signs of boundary violations may include excessive personal disclosure, favoritism, or an educator.
Grooming:
  • Grooming is a gradual process where an abuser gains a victim’s trust.
  • Awareness of gifts, special privileges, or increased attention can help identify grooming behavior.
Sexual Conduct:
  • Inappropriate comments, gestures, or physical contact are red flags.
  • Educate students and educators on recognizing and reporting such behavior.

The Need for Uniform Policies:

Despite the urgency of addressing teacher sexual abuse, there is a lack of uniformity in policies and procedures across school districts. Many policies are left to individual district discretion, resulting in inconsistencies in reporting mechanisms, investigation procedures, and consequences for offenders.

Legislative Intervention:
  • Advocacy for comprehensive legislation at the state or national level is crucial to establish consistent guidelines.
  • Legislative frameworks should define what constitutes abuse, standardize reporting procedures, and outline disciplinary actions.
Training and Awareness:
  • Mandatory training for educators, administrators, and students can promote awareness and understanding of appropriate conduct.
  • A standardized curriculum on recognizing and preventing teacher sexual abuse should be implemented across schools.

Reporting Mechanisms:

  • Establish clear and accessible reporting mechanisms to encourage individuals to come forward without fear of retaliation.
  • Prioritize anonymity and confidentiality to protect the well-being of the victim and the reporter.

Education on boundary violations, grooming, and sexual conduct is pivotal in preventing such incidents. Additionally, implementing uniform policies and procedures across school districts is essential to create a consistent and robust framework for safeguarding students. By prioritizing the safety and well-being of students through education and policy reform, we can work towards creating a secure and nurturing learning environment for all.

Andreozzi + Foote has represented many victims and survivors of teacher abuse and holds institutions accountable for their failure to screen teachers and protect children adequately.

 

Big Brothers, Big Sisters Sexual Abuse Lawyers Helping Victims Ensure Sexual Predators Are Held Accountable for Abuse

Youth mentoring programs can be a great way to show children they’re not alone and have caring people beside them to help guide them. One of the oldest and most well-known programs of this kind is Big Brothers Big Sisters, which allows adults to mentor children as young as five and stay in contact with them as they age. While this program has benefitted thousands of children for over 100 years, it has also created an opportunity for sexual predators to abuse the children and teens they agreed to mentor sexually.

If you or your child endured childhood sexual abuse while participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters, you should talk to a lawyer about how to seek justice through the legal system. At Andreozzi + Foote. We understand the importance of ensuring sexual predators and their enablers are held accountable for the devastating effects of child sexual abuse.

What Should You Know About Sexual Abuse in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program?

Big Brothers Big Sisters was created in 1904 to mentor and protect children as they grew. This was meant to be especially helpful for youth at high risk of breaking the law and ending up in jail after having no one to guide them as they got older.

When the program began, local volunteers each selected a child to mentor. The point was for the adult volunteers to get to know their Little Brother or Little Sister while advising on friendships and relationships, helping with homework, and developing their interests in sports or hobbies as they grew. While this type of mentoring worked for many children, it unfortunately turned into years of sexual abuse for others.

After all, many sexual predators who can get away with abuse for a long time typically spend months or years grooming children first, such as by paying attention to them and giving them gifts. Once they’ve gained the trust of their victim, they take advantage of it by touching them inappropriately.

This was the case for many Big Brothers Big Sisters participants, especially those who had unsupervised visits and even sleepovers with each other. When children and parents started to report sexual abuse to the leaders of the organization, the concerns were dismissed and nothing was done.

It was determined that one of the main issues that allowed sexual abuse to run rampant was the lack of background checks for Big Brothers and Big Sisters mentoring children. A simple solution would have been implementing background checks to protect children, but that didn’t happen immediately. This meant years went by with more children being sexually abused within the Big Brothers Big Sisters program until the organization finally began conducting comprehensive background checks on volunteers.

How Can Youth-Serving Organizations Prevent Child Sex Abuse?

Youth organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters have a lot of benefits to offer children, but they must find ways to protect them from childhood sexual abuse first. Fortunately, many groups of this kind have taken steps in the right direction in recent years after multiple reports of child abuse led to thorough investigations and consequences for leadership.

One of the most effective ways of reducing the widespread problem of sexual misconduct between Big and Little Sisters and Brothers is screening all adult volunteers who will have contact with children. More specifically, conducting comprehensive background checks that look at criminal records before allowing adults to become mentors is critical.
Another way to foster positive relationships without allowing children to be sexually abused is to create rules regarding interactions between Big Brothers and Little Brothers, as well as Big Sisters and Little Sisters.

These rules might state that meetings between adults and children must be in public places, such as at a community center where there are other adults, so the volunteers are never alone with the children. If they must meet in a room together, the door should remain open, and there should be video cameras or bright lighting to keep all interactions out in the open, not hidden from view.

Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters should also have clear rules against sleepovers, gifts, surprise visits, alcohol use, drug use, and other actions that could create an environment that allows child sexual abuse. They should ensure all staff members and volunteers know and agree to the rules. If they witness anyone breaking these rules, they should know precisely how to report it to ensure proper disciplinary action is taken.

In general, for youth organizations to be successful in assisting participants from childhood to young adulthood, they must take sexual abuse seriously. This requires them to be on the same page when it comes to preventing, identifying, and reporting any possible child abuse within the organization. If you’re worried that the youth organization that you or your child took part in allowed sexual abuse to occur, contact our legal team for a chance to pursue justice. Our lawyers have handled cases involving Big Brothers Big Sisters sexual abuse over the years, so we’re confident we can work toward the outcome you desire for your family when you initiate a legal claim.

What Should You Do After Identifying Child Sexual Abuse?

If you or your child were sexually abused while participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters or other youth organizations in Maryland, you’re not alone, as we’re here to help. We understand that it can be challenging to take the first step toward getting assistance, especially when you’re still trying to comprehend the magnitude of the situation. Child sexual abuse is devastating and can change your life, so we encourage you to get help handling it as soon as possible.

You should first report the crime to local law enforcement to ensure the sexual predator is held liable, along with the organization that enabled the abuse. Then, contact our Maryland law office for legal support for your civil claim. After all, any victim targeted by an abuser as a youth deserves to be compensated. No amount of money can remove the long-term effects that experiencing sexual battery, sexual violence, or abuse can have on you, but compensation can help in other ways.

For example, when you seek economic damages, you’ll get money to pay for your medical treatment if years of sexual abuse left you with physical injuries. You can also use the money from your sexual abuse lawsuit to pay for mental health counseling and time away from work as you try to come to terms with the consequences that abuse has had on your life.

Your lawyer can also seek non-economic damages for you, which will get you compensation to make up for mental anguish, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Finally, punitive damages will financially punish the sexual predator and the youth organization that failed to protect you or your child from sexual abuse. Contact us for legal guidance if you want compensation to help your family heal.

How Can Maryland Big Brothers, Big Sisters Sexual Abuse Lawyers Help You Pursue Justice?

At Andreozzi + Foote, we’re committed to helping child sexual abuse victims seek justice from anyone who abused them or covered up the abuse. When you hire our team, we’ll explain your legal options so you can seek compensation from the adult who harmed you and the youth program that enabled them.

We’ll also put you in touch with resources for Maryland survivors, such as HopeWorks of Howard County, Heartly House, Inc., and Family Crisis Center of Baltimore County. Reaching out to this type of organization can help you find therapists in your community who are experienced at counseling child victims and their family members who have suffered due to abuse. You deserve to get the assistance you need to begin recovering from child sexual abuse, and we’re here to provide you with the resources to get started.

If you’re ready to get a skilled lawyer’s guidance, contact us at 866-311-8640 to speak with a caring legal team. We’ll offer you a free initial consultation, and if you decide to initiate your case with us, you won’t pay any legal fees until we win a settlement for you. We look forward to helping you work toward justice through your civil lawsuit.

by

The internet has become pervasive in people’s lives in ways good and bad. Unfortunately, the bad includes online sexual abuse and cybersex crimes that can have devastating effects on people’s lives. Today, there is more legal recognition of certain online activities as harmful and illegal. Here’s what you need to know.

How Are Online Sexual Abuse and Cybersex Crimes Defined?

There are many types of online sexual abuse and cybersex crimes, including but not limited to the following.

  • Revenge porn/nonconsensual pornography. This involves someone sharing sexual images or videos that were taken with the other party’s consent, but consent wasn’t given to share them with others. The term “revenge porn” refers to someone sharing these without consent to cause the other party harm.
  • Performing sexual acts or sharing pornographic images on video meetings without the consent of everyone involved or at an inappropriate time (such as during a work meeting).
  • Installing hidden cameras with the goal of seeing people unclothed without their permission (such as in a clothing retailer’s dressing room or a tanning salon).
  • Upskirting, which is the act of taking photos or videos beneath someone else’s clothing without their permission.
  • Communications are sent to someone who doesn’t want them regarding sexual activity or hate-based comments regarding their gender identity or sexual orientation.
  • Requesting nude photos, videos, or sexual acts performed on live video to people who don’t want them, whether the person is known to the requester or not.
  • Sending unrequested and unwanted sexual photos or videos to others, whether the sender knows them or not.
  • Any act that grooms children to engage in any type of sexual behavior online, including grooming them online to perform sexually offline.

Suppose you or someone you know has experienced one of these situations or another incident that may fit the category of online sexual abuse or cybersex crime. In that case, it’s highly recommended that you contact an experienced sexual abuse attorney.

What Are the Laws Against These Types of Crimes?

Both the state of Pennsylvania and the federal government have implemented laws meant to crack down on these types of cyber crimes. When the acts involve adults, one of the key factors is whether or not the person on the receiving end of the cyber communication consented to receive it or if anyone involved in the photos or videos consented to be filmed or to have those images or videos shared with others. Two consenting adults are allowed to engage in these behaviors. But if one or the other doesn’t consent, it may be a crime.

However, if a minor is involved, there are sharp differences. See below for more information.

The consequences vary based on several factors, including whether or not this was a first conviction and if minors were involved. In general, being convicted of an online sex crime in Pennsylvania can lead to jail time, fines that can reach thousands of dollars, and the possibility of the convicted person having to register as a sex offender.

What Is the Age of Consent in Pennsylvania?

The age of consent is a legal term that specifies when someone is old enough to give their consent for sexual activity without potentially engaging in or involving someone else in a crime. As noted above, adults have the right to consent to sexual activity. But those below the age of consent don’t have those same rights, meaning even if they agree, for example, to pose for a nude photo, it’s still illegal because they weren’t of age.

In Pennsylvania:

  • Children 12 and under cannot consent to any form of sexual activity.
  • Children 13-15 cannot consent to sexual activity with anyone four or more years older than they are.
  • People 16 and older can legally consent to sexual activity. However, if there is a power dynamic such as the adult being a teacher, coach, counselor, camp volunteer or any volunteer within a child serving organization there cannot be consent.

What Is Megan’s Law?

Megan’s Law was named after a child who was lured into a home by a sexual offender under the guise of seeing a puppy. The offender, who was previously twice convicted of pedophilia, then raped and murdered her. Megan’s grieving parents noted that if they’d known the new neighbor had that kind of criminal background, they wouldn’t have allowed her to roam freely.

Subsequently, laws in her name became enacted in numerous states, including Pennsylvania, that work to accomplish the following:

  • Identify sexual offenders who are predators (actively seek out victims and repeat the behavior) and allow courts to sentence them to be registrants on sexual offender registries and through police departments, sometimes for the rest of their lives.
  • Notify local communities when registered offenders plan to move into their neighborhoods.
  • A later amendment allowed all registered sexual offender information to be available publicly on the internet.

If you have a minor in your life that you worry has been subjected to online sexual abuse or cybersex crimes, contact us as soon as possible.

What Should I Do if I or a Loved One Has Been the Victim of Online Sexual Abuse or Cybersex Crimes?

Call Andreozzi + Foote at 866-311-8640 for a free, confidential consultation. We understand just how difficult and traumatic this has been for you. Our firm focuses on helping victims pursue civil actions to help them recover and move forward with their lives. We know how stressful even talking about what’s happened can be, and our team of experienced, knowledgeable attorneys prioritizes confidentiality and our clients’ wellbeing. We want what’s best for you and will work toward the best possible outcomes.

by

Who is Father Nathan Brooks?

Father Nathan Brooks, 36, of New York’s Diocese of Syracuse, has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse, including that of a minor, for alleged incidents from 2019 to 2022. Charges include endangering the welfare of a child, forcible touching, and sexual abuse in the third degree.

It is believed he has groomed many children. What we know to be true of child sexual offenders is where there is one victim, there usually are more. Brooks works with four churches:

  • Church of the Nativity at St. Joseph in Lafayette
  • Immaculate Conception in Pompey
  • St. Leo in Tully
  • St. Patrick Mission in Otisco.

You are not alone.

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

How Can A Civil Lawsuit Help Victims Seek Justice For The Trauma They May Have Experienced Father Nathan Brooks?

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 often 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 Diocese of Syracuse?

Yes. You may have rights if you were a victim of Father Nathan Brooks while he was employed at the New York Diocese of Syracuse.

Andreozzi + Foote is the leading sexual abuse law firm in New York. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your possible legal rights.

We know it can be hard to talk about these experiences. Our compassionate school 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 us 24 Hours A Day, 7 Days a week.

866-311-8640

Info@vca.law